Thinking Space Paper No.8: An approach for fast track integration of refugees though employer involvement
According to Eurostat 44% of young migrants born outside the EU are at risk of being in poverty or socially excluded in 2018. There is thus a need for effective support services to enhance the early integration of legally staying non-EU citizens. The proposed programme developed and tested in a European project, aims at successful fast track integration of refugees into the labour market. One of the acceleration strategies pursued was the involvement of employers in an integration programme. With the exception of a self-employment programme and a programme for apprenticeships in crafts, the acceleration programmes were geared towards low skilled jobs. Basic principles were voluntary participation and self-selection.