This paper is part of an initiative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Malta in order to support the work agenda of the Government of Malta and other national stakeholders dealing with the migration, integration and employment issues.
The relationship between international migration and human capital is central to any research on migration and economic development. It is also of vital importance to labour markets, particularly for countries with high rates of emigration or immigration (Collyer et al., 2013 ). The extensive desk review process was contributed by the interviews held with different experts and practitioners from different EU member states – Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Malta between May – June 2014.
The findings suggest a demand for policy measures to support migrants in order to ensure a more efficient job and skills-matching process. Instruments are needed to facilitate third-country nationals’ integration into labour market. The public-private partnership development is discussed as an instrument for the integration. Other policy measures related to education and skills enhancements are required, targeted training, apprenticeship and mentorship schemes are recommended to be developed. At the same time, more attention should be paid to the recognition mechanisms of qualifications and skills, which might decrease the underutilization of skills not only for highly educated individuals, but also for those with medium education levels and vocational education and training (VET) qualifications. Thus, development of the mechanisms on skills enhancement, recruitment, placement of TCNs through the public-private partnership will foster integration of third-country nationals into labour market. The specific policy actions are needed in the areas of employment including the process of obtaining the work permit, skills and labour market integration of migrants to decrease the costs and increase the benefits of migration.
