IOM’s submission to this public consultation outlines our views on what a comprehensive integration policy framework would entail for the European context with the view of fostering sustainable and resilient societies, in which migratory processes and migrants’ integration benefit all. IOM is hopeful that the new Action Plan will further strengthen the EU’s integration policy and dynamize EU Member States’ national efforts to promote the integration and inclusion of migrants and people with migrant backgrounds.

Despite Europe’s diversity, migrants and people with a migrant background, consistently experience lower educational and health outcomes, are disproportionately affected by unemployment, underemployment or poor working conditions when employed, continue to face barriers in accessing basic services and are often subject to discrimination and xenophobic behaviors. All of these factors combined perpetuate social inequalities, bar migrants from reaching their full potential and lead to the underutilization of migrants’ skills and contribution to their host society. The COVID 19 pandemic which has further exacerbated these pre-existing inequalities, has also impacted migrants’ mental and physical wellbeing, excluded them from accessing services, and has enhanced their exposure to xenophobia all of which further hinder migrants’ successful integration into their host society.