New study reveals: Sweden is leading in immigration policies

According to the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) Sweden is at the top of EU countries that are making a genuine effort to stimulate the integration of immigrants. The MIPEX measures policies to integrate migrants in 25 EU Member States and 3 non-EU countries. It uses over 100 policy indicators to create a rich, multi-dimensional picture of migrants‘ opportunities to participate in European societies. The study which was conducted by the Migration Policy Group and the British Council covers six policy areas which shape a migrant’s journey to full citizenship. Policies which were measured included indicators such as Immigrants‘ rights in the workplace, opportunities for permanent settlement, permission for family to join them, or laws to combat racism and prejudice. According the survey’s outcomes there are wide variations on how countries deal with immigration issues. Among the leading countries were Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands. Slovakia, Greece, Austria and Latvia poorly scored and finished last on the MIPEX.
While many states had policies that were laudable, each in turn appeared to fall down on at least one key area. Only Sweden scored highly enough to be classed as a nation entirely favourable to promoting integration.