Link - IOM Publications - International Organization for Migration

CONCLUSION
As the workshop discussions made clear, integration is a matter
of increasing significance for a growing number of countries around
the world. The heterogeneity resulting from migration means
that more and more societies are confronted with fundamental
questions regarding their functioning, self-understanding and
the values that hold a society together. Societies, however, are
by their nature constantly changing in a variety of ways, and the
transformations brought about by migration can be beneficial
and enriching.
Despite the potential benefits that migration has to offer,
changes in the social fabric nonetheless need to be managed so as
to ensure an effective functioning of society and maintain social
cohesion and harmony. Integration cuts across many sectors
of society, touching upon economic, legal, social, cultural and
religious spheres. To ensure that integration is effective, conscious
policy interventions need to be made in each of these sectors.
Integration is a personal issue as much as it is a societal one.
Concepts of loyalty and belonging are particular to the individual,
yet, how migrants define their affiliation is relevant for their
inclusion in the host society. Transnational identities can connect
countries of origin, countries of destination and migrants and can
be beneficial for all. During this workshop various measures have
been identified which can be implemented by both home and host
societies to make transnationalism a tangible reality.
The workshop has shown that there are many advantages
to a comprehensive approach to integration. Holistic strategies
can address the concerns of different groups, contributing to
greater social cohesion. At the same time, the special needs of
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