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Begin New Search Topic Immigration Policy Author Ravenna Sohst

1. Green Reintegration: Supporting Returning Migrants in Climate-Affected Communities

Author:
Camille Le Coz and Ravenna Sohst
Publication Date:
09-2023
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Migration Policy Institute (MPI)
Abstract:
Climate change is affecting countries around the world, but some of its most intense impacts occur in low- and middle-income countries that have limited resources to prepare and adapt. Many of these countries also welcome back significant numbers of returned migrants. Those returning to areas where climate events and environmental degradation are negatively affecting livelihoods, the supply of safe housing, and community dynamics can find it difficult to re-establish themselves, facing challenges even beyond those typically experienced by returnees. Recognizing this challenge, some policymakers have begun to explore “green” approaches to providing reintegration assistance. Only a few such initiatives have been launched to date, and they have been relatively small. These include community-based projects to build climate-resilient infrastructure and support for entrepreneurship in green sectors such as solar energy and waste management. This brief provides an overview of what approaches to green reintegration have been used to date and what obstacles projects have faced. It also examines how interested policymakers and practitioners can build a stronger case for reintegration programming that responds to the challenges posed by climate change.
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, Migration, Reintegration, and Immigration Policy
Political Geography:
Global Focus

2. Embedding Reintegration Assistance for Returning Migrants in the Local Context: The Role of Referrals

Author:
Ravenna Sohst and Camille Le Coz
Publication Date:
06-2022
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Migration Policy Institute (MPI)
Abstract:
The objectives of European reintegration programs for migrants returning to their countries of origin have expanded in recent years. Reintegration assistance, instead of being delivered as standardized support packages, is increasingly being designed to take into account the multiple dimensions of returnees’ reintegration—economic, social, and psychosocial—and the context of the communities in which they settle. As these programs become more complex, it has also become clear that no one service provider can offer all of the various services necessary to meet returnees’ diverse needs and profiles. One way to broaden the range of supports available to returning migrants and embed reintegration assistance into the local context is to refer returnees to local actors, including government agencies and civil-society organizations. Such referrals, particularly when combined with capacity-building assistance for local partners, can help connect returnees with tailored, long-term support. Yet, there is no consensus across reintegration programs as to how referral mechanisms should be organized, what types of services referral partners should deliver, the level of budget support different actors need, and how their work should be monitored. This policy brief explores the role of referrals in reintegration programming, offering a typology of approaches taken across programs to date. It also discusses common challenges, emerging good practices, and promising next steps to improve the local embeddedness of reintegration assistance.
Topic:
International Cooperation, International Organization, Migration, Governance, Integration, Deportation, Reintegration, Immigration Policy, and Illegal Immigration
Political Geography:
Europe and Global Focus