Equal-Works

The transnational partnership aims to optimise the integration of asylum seekers through a holistic approach and the sharing of knowledge, expertise and experience from each of the partners. The partners represent a unique cross-thematic group and share similar interests and methodologies.

They have identified the following areas of interest and underlying problems:

• High numbers of asylum seekers continue to arrive in most European countries, resulting in demographic changes that can inhibit integration.
• High numbers of asylum seekers have high/higher-level qualifications.
• A high number of asylum seekers have poor educational backgrounds.
• There is a lack of data collection, skills auditing and monitoring.
• A number of nationalities will continue to have a positive decision within partner countries.
• Positive decisions continue to be processed at various speeds: in some countries within three months, in others as long as 36 months. Both provide increased pressure on the national support available.
• Many asylum seekers will receive a negative decision in a short period of time.
• There is a need for increased knowledge in the field of cultural and social integration.
• Language superstructure for tuition/translation continues to be underdeveloped in many partner countries.
• Partners need considerable support and training to cope with the number and diversity of asylum seekers.
• Early intervention is necessary, i.e. access to support, increase in support and support materials available, materials available on arrival.
• Lack of support for specific disadvantaged groups within the asylum seeker population, i.e. unaccompanied minors, trafficked women, etc.
• Asylum seeker awareness-raising at local, national and EU level.
• The need to change the public image of asylum seekers among the local population and employers/trade unions, and present new ways of thinking and attitudes towards the target group as a future resource.
• Poor integration, training, guidance centres and accreditation routes.
• Development of employment/labour market training, basic education, vocational training and ICT skills materials.
• Private/enterprise sector awareness.