Labour shortages at all skill levels are set to further increase across Europe, with the ageing and shrinking of the population as a main driver. Labour migration could play a critical role in addressing these shortages, fostering growth and innovation, and maintaining European welfare systems, but policies often remain insufficiently adapted to secure needed workers, while employers face significant barriers in recruiting internationally. In addition to immediate labour shortages, future skills needs must also be considered – including needs faced by countries of origin. Against this backdrop, ICMPD’s Policy Unit is analysing labour pathways, talent attraction and retention measures, and skills mobility partnerships to identify promising practices, challenges, and recommendations.
2025
- Commentary - How can development actors scale refugee labour mobility? September
- Commentary - From promise to practice: Five ways to boost uptake of the EU Talent Pool May
- Commentary - Holistic labour market matching: Boosting immigrant retention, EU competitiveness, and growth March
2024
- Policy brief - Mobility and labour dynamics after the EU Year of Skills: Are we fit for the future? July
- Policy brief - Expanding the possibilities of working holidays May
- Infographic - Expanding the possibilities of working holidays May
- Commentary - Realising the opportunities that migration can bring April
- Commentary - Europe as a hotspot for global talent – Is it ready? January
2023
- Policy brief - Germany’s Western Balkans Regulation: Inspiration for facilitating refugee labour mobility? July
- Commentary - Can the EU Talent Pool drive complementary pathways to the EU? June
- Infographic - Potential refugee labour pathways to five EU countries June
- Policy brief - Tapping displaced talent: Policy options for EU complementary pathways May
- Mapping - Complementary labour and education pathways for people in need of protection March
- Infographic - Complementary labour pathways
- Commentary - Same but different: Strategies in the global race for talent February
2022
- Event takeaways - 5 takeaways on non-EU pathways to protection amid conflict in Ukraine July
- Policy brief - Student working holidays as a step towards youth mobility July
- Practice note - The missing link: Promoting refugees’ skills-based mobility within Europe June
- Blog article - Non-EU Pathways to Protection for Ukrainians: Complementary Pathways Gain Significant Momentum May
- Commentary - Tapping into Global Talent -Many returned home during the pandemic – can they be convinced to stay? February
2021
- Commentary - Investing in refugee talent October
- Policy brief - Networks and mobility: A case for complementary pathways June
- Commentary - New players joining international race for talent February
- Commentary - Tapping into Global Talent - New players joining international race for talent February
- Policy paper - How can Lithuania harness international talent to drive growth? January
- Infographic - Attracting international talent to Lithuania
- Handbook - Attracting international talent to Lithuania: International best practices and approaches January
- Commentary - Putting the EU Talent Partnerships in Motion January
2020
- Commentary - Labour migration: Five priorities for the EU and its Member States April
2019
- Commentary - Attract, Facilitate and Retain - Return Migration Policies in the Context of Intra-EU Mobility October
- Report - Creating lawful opportunities for adult refugee labour market mobility
- Commentary - Migration policy-making in times of crisis July
- Blog article - Refugees and the labour market: the role of skills in facilitating access April
- Commentary - Skills based complementary pathways to protection – an area of policy relevance? April
2017
- Commentary - Can complementary pathways live up to expectations? November