Skip to content

New in-depth analysis from NIEM highlights the uneven quality of integration laws and policies for humanitarian status holders

The Migration Policy Group (MPG) has played a key role in monitoring the integration of beneficiaries of international protection. Notably, the National Integration Evaluation Mechanism (NIEM) measures refugee integration policies in 14 EU Member States between 2016 and 2021; and has established a framework for evidence-based policy-making. With this latest in-depth analysis paper authored by MPG, we continue to play a lead role, this time highlighting the uneven quality of integration laws and policies for humanitarian status holders.

Current gaps in legal and policy frameworks

The paper illustrates how, across the 10 EU countries reviewed, there is a significant difference in the quality of integration laws and policies affecting people with humanitarian protection. It is also found that legal conditions for people with humanitarian protection are less favourable than for those with refugee or subsidiary protection. Humanitarian status holders are therefore facing a lower standard of integration experience based on their status.

Using NIEM indicators, the paper reveals that Member States seem to be reluctant to adopt inclusive policies for the long-term integration of humanitarian status holders, who often have a very precarious legal status and are unable to settle down in the country.

“They rarely experience fully favourable conditions to integrate in any area of life and wide gaps exist in those policies which should actively support their long-term integration.”

Solutions for improving integration policies

Subsequently, the paper recommends for EU Member States to reassess the use of humanitarian protection, and — at the very least — for improved conditions and treatment of humanitarian status holders in line with refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.

About the author

Dr. Carmine ConteThis in-depth analysis was written by MPG’s Legal Policy Analyst, Dr. Carmine Conte. He conducts international research on law and policy on migration, refugee integration and anti-discrimination at national and EU level.

“The uneven legal and policy framework facing persons with humanitarian status in Europe. Current gaps and possible solutions for improving integration policies”.

About the Migration Policy Group (MPG)

MPG is an independent think-and-do-tank based in Brussels. MPG’s purpose is rooted in its ability to inspire networks to provide evidence-based projects, research and campaigns in the areas of integration, migration and anti-discrimination.

Learn more about the Migration Policy Group.

Search