A 2010 SURVEY of 31 countries’ migration policies has shown Cyprus has the worst access and long-term integration into the labour market for migrants, and is the only surveyed country to be both below average and falling behind.
The British Council and Migration Policy Group’s Migration Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) which was released yesterday said that Cypriot law “creates the least favourable conditions for these workers to access and integrate long-term on the labour market. They have few real opportunities to participate in democratic life or to naturalise.”
Furthermore, the report said that “At 35 points, Cyprus is the only country far below average and falling further behind, ranking 2nd last of all 31 countries.”
Cyprus scored just 21 points in the labour market mobility category, which is just outside of MIPEX’s “unfavourable” category.
The report adds that Cyprus’ policies on family reunion and long-term residence score closer to countries far outside the scope of EU law: “Migrants wishing to reunite their families face the most restrictive eligibility conditions.”
Cyprus’ poor ranking reflects a series of moves by the government that have restricted migrants’ opportunities to integrate.
For example, the 2008 Supreme Court decision that government policy to prevent many temporary migrants from accessing long-term residence was justified, without referring to the European Court of Justice.
This policy was challenged by the European Commission. Cyprus responded by enacting a law imposing new integration requirements on potential applicants.
In January, the government introduced seven new regulations relating to domestic workers.
While these included a minimum wage increase, the remaining six regulations were heavily criticised by immigrant support group KISA and the domestic workers employers association, because they effectively encourage workers to seek illegal work.
British Council European Director Rosemary Hilhorst said yesterday: “The successful integration of migrants is essential for social cohesion and economic prosperity in Europe.”
She added: “Our hope is that this (MIPEX) will support the best conditions for our countries’ migrants to successfully integrate and thus allow the economic and social benefits of migration to be realised.”
The ranking is based on 148 indicators of issues that affect migration, which fall into seven areas: anti-discrimination, labour market mobility, access to nationality, family reunion, long term residence, education and political participation.
Points are given for performance in each indicator, then presented as a percentage. Cyprus scored 35 per cent: just ahead of Latvia who scored 31 per cent.
Sweden topped the charts with 83 per cent, followed by Portugal (79 per cent) and Canada (72 per cent.)
The British Council in Cyprus and KISA now plan to debate the report’s findings at the journalists’ union office in Nicosia, on March 21.
For more information on MIPEX, visit http://www.mipex.eu/
