Important legal notice
 
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EQUAL promotes the integration of Asylum Seekers in Europe

June 2007

Over 250 people participated in the European Policy Forum on Asylum 'Minimum Standard and Beyond - Towards a dignified standard of living for asylum seekers in Europe', held from 22 - 24 May in Malmö, Sweden.

During three warm and sunny days, representatives from nearly 50 Round 2 EQUAL partnerships, the European Commission, international organisations, refugees, journalists and national ministries from 23 different Member States came together to discuss the many advantages of helping asylum seekers to integrate rather than to exclude them from society; and to jointly identify opportunities to take the EQUAL legacy forward, once the programme comes to an end in 2008. Another important focus of the event was to make the case for a more generous application of the various minimum conditions set out in the Reception Directive in the Member States. The discussions centred in particular on access to employment, education and training as well as improving public attitudes and the quality of services to asylum seekers.

The Policy Forum included a Showcasing Exhibition with Member State stands presenting national EQUAL good practice, which opened in the evening of 22 May, an Opening Plenary session, case study visits and learning seminars on 23 May and interactive workshops and a Closing Plenary Panel discussion on 24 May.

The main recommendations - put forward by the participants and discussed by a panel made up of Jean-Louis De Brouwer, Director of DG Justice, Freedom and Security, Karl Kopp from Pro Asyl, Jan Andersson, Member of the European Parliament and Peo Hansen, Researcher - are presented in the box below.
 

Advice, Education and Training

1. Upon arrival, asylum seekers should have the right to and be informed about: (1) Skills audit process, (2) Access to language training and (3) Access to vocational training incorporating a practical component. The needs of disadvantaged groups of asylum seekers should be taken into account.

2. Asylum seekers must have the possibility of having their professional and academic skills recognised. Vocational training should preferably be provided in mainstream programmes with nationals.

Employment and Employer Relations

3. Employer organisations and trade unions should become involved in opening the labour market for the creation of new jobs based on diversity, and influence policy makers to revise reception conditions.

4. Article 11 should be amended. Asylum seekers should have direct access to employment unless Member States can prove that this will substantially disrupt their labour markets. Issues of social inclusion are to be taken into account.

Capacity Building

5. Article 24 should be amended. Member States should give clear guidance on the necessary qualifications for support staff. The empowerment of asylum seekers should be an essential part of all activities targeted at asylum seekers (e.g. setting up an advisory group of asylum seekers).

6. The instruments for dissemination and policy impact used and developed in the EQUAL Initiative should be further developed, adapted and transferred to the new ESF programme.

 

 

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