Making Migration Work. The future of labour migration in the European Union
The population of Europe is shrinking. Does that mean that we need more labour migrants? And will they adapt smoothly to our economy and society? or has Europe already opened its doors too wide? Making Migration Work considers how labour migration policy in the Netherlands and the European Union should be developed, both now and in the future. Several internationally renowned researchers analyse current European labour migration flows and the related challenges.
This book shows that the complexion of migration has changed . Most of the migrants who come to the Netherlands now are Europeans, many of them from Central and Eastern Europe. Some stay for good, and others return home after a shorter or longer stay. The Netherlands also welcomes a growing number of skilled professionals , many from outside Europe. Thanks to the EU's open borders, migration policy has largely become a labour market issue.
If we are to improve our migration policy, we must have a better understanding of the labour market structure in tomorrow's globalising economy. Only then can we balance migration more effectively against other alternatives. Is it better to invest in training or to recruit employees from abroad? Will foreign workers even want to come to the Netherlands in the future? And how can we adapt our integration policy to reflect the changing complexion of migration? That will require more from government and employers - and above all, from Brussels.