Rather than an exceptional measure, regularisation is a frequent response to resolve situations of longer term, protracted irregularity. This handbook argues that regularisation should be considered a standard element of the migration policy toolbox, providing a structured route for irregular migrants to regularise their status when other options, such as return, are not feasible. Irregular migration should be understood as a structural feature of contemporary societies, arising from ongoing labour demand, family and social networks, individual migration aspirations, and restrictive entry and residence policies. This handbook provides practical, evidence-based guidance on the design, implementation, and evaluation of regularisation policies, highlighting their impacts on labour markets, social cohesion, and migrant rights. Drawing on experiences from Europe, North America, and other world regions, it examines how different policy approaches operate, how key actors shape outcomes, and how procedural design affects accessibility, inclusivity, and legitimacy. It underscores that regularisation, when carefully implemented, can reduce informality, enhance integration, and strengthen fiscal and social contributions.
