Managing Migration in Ireland - European Commission - Europa

executive summary xixIn order to inform these policy discussions and contribute to evidence-based policymaking, the government, in consultation with key stakeholders, should considersponsoring a programme of policy-oriented research and analysis to promote abetter understanding of the effects of migration and the likely impacts of differentpolicy measures.3. Temporary or permanent migration?Unlike European countries which declared their preference for guest workersduring the economic boom of the 1960s, and traditional immigration countrieswhich have a long-standing preference for settler immigrants, Ireland is stillconsidering to what extent today’s migrants are to be considered as temporaryworkers or immigrants who are expected to settle. Does Ireland want to become a“country of immigrants” with permanent residence status, a country of “guestworkers” with temporary work and residence permits, or a mixture of both?To date, migration has been viewed as a temporary phenomenon and not part of along-term strategy to promote economic and social goals. It would be useful anddesirable to develop an explicit policy statement to guide employers, unions andcivil society on whether migrants are expected to return to their countries of originor expected to remain and become integrated in Irish society.The shape of Ireland’s future integration strategy is contingent on whether Irelandembraces permanent or temporary migration, and in particular how it wishes totreat migrants arriving from non-EEA countries. If the former, a more comprehensiveapproach to integration will be needed.If Ireland wishes to attract more migrants, particularly skilled migrants, to settle inIreland, it may have to consider creating a permanent immigration channel. Atpresent, Ireland does not have a permanent immigration programme providingpermanent residence and employment rights to migrants immediately upon theirarrival. Ireland could develop an immigrant status that entitles selected migrantsto long-term working and residence rights in Ireland. Such a measure could helpIreland to become a more attractive destination for highly skilled workers. There isevidence to suggest that Ireland will benefit the most economically from policieswhich encourage inflows of highly skilled workers.4. How to foster integration?The current economic climate offers Ireland an excellent opportunity to reform itsimmigration programmes and to implement a robust integration strategy. As aresult of Ireland’s experience with emigration and its strong sense of community,there already exists a latent capacity to mobilize support for integration in thecountry. This capacity will need to be nurtured as the capacity of the NGO sector toprovide services is still relatively weak. If Ireland’s integration programmes areexpanded, they should include all categories of immigrants. For integration to succeed,governments, union, employers, and NGOs will need to work together to developan effective partnership. The capacity of local government agencies, unions andNGOs to plan, organize and deliver integration services will need to be enlarged.Some migrants have restricted access to social welfare benefits due to theirtemporary status. It is likely that a growing number of migrants may choose to