Link - IOM Publications - International Organization for Migration

OvERvIEW
Strategies aimed at ensuring that the interaction between
migrants and host societies is positive and mutually beneficial
are considered an essential part of a comprehensive migration
policy. Respect, inclusion, participation, opportunity and nondiscrimination
emerged as key words during the workshop
discussion. While there is no one definition of integration, there
was broad agreement that effective integration should allow
migrants to become self-reliant in the host country, to participate
actively in their new environment and to feel accepted as full
and equal members of society. Integration is in many ways an
intangible, social and individual process, but can be analysed
along specific economic, legal, social and cultural categories.
The maintenance of social cohesion can be regarded as one of
the main objectives of integration. Preventing the marginalization
and exclusion of migrants is not only in the interest of the wellbeing
of the migrant him- or herself, it is also an important
element for the functioning and social stability of the host country.
Well-integrated migrants are also more likely to fulfil their own
potential and make a positive contribution to the economic, social
and cultural life in the country of destination.
The issue of social cohesion, however, is not only relevant for
countries of destination: especially where migration is temporary,
countries of origin and countries of destination can work together
to ensure that migrants are effectively inserted in the host society,
while also maintaining their ties to the home country. Countries
of origin can create incentives for the continued commitment of
their migrant populations to the social, economic and political life
in their communities of origin. In this way, the phenomenon of
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