To address labour shortages, socio-economic integration of migrants is essential, say participants at OSCE discussion in Vienna

VIENNA, 18 December 2018 - To address labour shortages and allow migrants to be a resource for countries of origin and destination, socio-economic integration is essential, said participants at the OSCE conference held today in Vienna on the occasion of the International Migrants Day.

The Co-ordinator of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, Vuk Žugić, said that the discussion showed how much our societies and economies are interconnected. “Co-operation is not an option, but a necessity,” said Žugić. “Dialogue remains key for long-term solutions. I believe that the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security offers a unique lens to search for suitable responses.”  

The event, which gathered policymakers, economic and social partners, civil society representatives and practitioners, concluded that only a multi-stakeholder approach can ensure an effective labour market integration of migrants, thanks to the involvement of the private sector, governments, workers’ associations, education and training institutions, academia and civil society.

Ambassador Luca Fratini, Deputy Permanent Representative of Italy to the OSCE, pointed out that the discussion complemented very well the work done at the OSCE in 2018 on migration, a priority for the Italian OSCE Chairmanship. "Only by reinforcing dialogue among all stakeholders and in particular between States, international organizations, civil society and the private sector, can we address the governance of labour migration in a comprehensive manner," he said.

The discussion offered a renewed opportunity to improve understanding, explore common solutions and renew strategic partnerships for the OSCE’s future engagement in the field of migration governance. 

“Despite persisting challenges among many countries on how to address the phenomenon of migration, we cannot shy away from this conversation,” said Paul Bekkers, Director of the Office of the OSCE Secretary General. “The dialogue on labour integration of migrants should be fact-based, not driven by fear, with the aim to serve both hosting and origin societies alike, but most of all the individuals concerned – the migrants themselves.”

The OSCE will continue to leverage its comprehensive approach to security to address existing challenges in migration governance, complementing the ongoing efforts of the international community, together with its field operations and long-standing partners: the International Organization for Migration, the International Labour Organization, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and other relevant agencies and entities, as well as the private sector, academia and civil society.