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25 August 2022

Integration councils for migrants and refugees: institutional framework, functioning and their role in the integration of TCNs

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The political participation of migrants and refugees in their host country is a particularly important part of their integration. Greece recognises the importance of public participation, but limits it to participation in associations, organisations and the Migrant and Refugee Integration Councils (MRICs) that operate at the level of the municipalities. The country’s immigration policy states that the opportunity for political participation at the local level is secured through participation in these MRICs, thereby laying the groundwork for the acquisition of Greek citizenship (which ensures the right to vote and to stand as an electoral candidate). 

The MRICs were created in 2010, when Greece allowed expatriates and legally resident immigrants to vote and take part in the election of primary local government bodies. These permissions were revoked by law in 2014, meaning that the establishment and operation of the MRICs is the only policy that supports the participation of migrants and refugees in public life. The MRICs are advisory bodies at the municipal level which record and identify problems that interfere with the social integration of migrants and refugees residing permanently in the municipality. They create recommendations and proposals for the municipal council, to promote the development of local actions facilitating migrant integration, and - in cooperation with municipal services - they organise actions to sensitise and strengthen the social cohesion of the local population. 

The role and operation of the MRICs has been criticised because they have so far failed to meet the high expectations place upon them at the outset. Today their role is limited, and they do not yet exist in all municipalities. 

This research report was prepared by the socio-economic department of the Directorate of Social Integration at the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. It presents the legislative framework and procedure for the establishment and functioning of the MRICs, and describes their responsibilities. It also presents the results of research conducted via a questionnaire - distributed in 32 municipalities,15 of which have established MRICs and 17 of which have not - which show when the MRICs were created, who their members are, why they have not yet been set up in some municipalities and what actions have been taken to set them up. The main topics of discussion at MRIC meetings are found to be awareness-raising and information dissemination, education and Greek language learning, labour, housing and legal issues. 

The key conclusions of the research include:

  • There is a need for support of the MRICs by administrative and scientific staff specialised in the integration issues of migrant and refugee populations;
  • There is a lack of funding with which municipalities can support the MRICs; 
  • Municipalities lack the necessary competences to promote the effective integration of migrants and refugees;
  • Membership of the MRICs is constantly changing;
  • There is difficulty in implementing the proposals of the MRICs;
  • There is a lack of systematic planning, consultation and communication between MRICs and the relevant authorities and services. 

The survey responses also contain important information on the weaknesses identified by the municipalities themselves, and their suggested solutions.

Migrant and Refugee Integration Councils. Institutional framework, Functioning and their role in the integration of third country nationals
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Geographic area
Greece
Original source
Posted by
Antigone
Country Coordinator

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