In the GMF Cities survey on immigrant workforce integration, skills recognition and certification, language learning, and general education and training on the job were highlighted as key issues; building and maintaining networks with employers was also rated particularly relevant. On the employers’ side, some cities emphasized issues relating to the legal status of immigrants and work permits as common challenges. All the cities in the survey address immigrant integration by multi-stakeholder involvement, including different levels of government (other local departments as well as the regional, national, and international authorities), civil society (associations, NGOs, social movements, trade unions), and the private sector (businesses, business associations, industry representatives). This illustrates the complexity of workforce integration and the high engagement and incentives of all parties involved therein at the local level.
Work is a key element of the integration process and critical in addressing the social and fiscal challenges of cities managing migration.
