Migration Policy Group

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Migration Policy Group

MPG is an independent think-and-do tank based in Brussels. Re-posts≠endorsements
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MPG's purpose is rooted in its ability to inspire networks to provide evidence-based projects, research and campaigns in integration, migration and anti-discrimination.

08/06/2026

country spotlight: 🇬🇧
The UK scores well on voluntary return (83/100) and is the only MIREX country without a legal time limit for voluntary departure, offering migrants more flexibility to consider AVR without pressure. Human rights safeguards are formally recognised across return procedures.

However, the broader picture is far more restrictive:
• Highly hostile enforcement, including GPS tagging and facial recognition.
• No statutory maximum on detention, opening the door to indefinite confinement.
• Costly and lengthy regularisation procedures, with no systematic monitoring.
• Limited stakeholder involvement in policy implementation.

The UK's profile underscores how strong frameworks in one area can sit alongside deeply restrictive practices that shape the lived experience of migrants.
📊 Find the full report: https://bit.ly/mirex-report

05/06/2026

👩‍🏫 Strengthen teacher capacity
Teachers are central to inclusive education, but many still lack systematic preparation for increasingly multilingual classrooms.

The Watch Report 2026 highlights continuing gaps in teacher training related to second-language pedagogy, multilingual education, and intercultural competence.

Supporting teachers through sustained professional development and institutional investment is essential for equitable learning environments.
Download full report → https://bit.ly/sirius-watch-2026

04/06/2026

In early 2026, in its newly adopted Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030, the European Commission (EC) committed to help EU countries develop a working definition of structural racism. Without such a definition, designing coherent policies is simply not possible.

Structural racism is embedded in our societies and institutions in often insidious but systemic ways. That is why in our 2024 policy brief MPG stresses that the legal recognition of a common EU definition is a first, crucial step to tackling the problem.

The development of a working definition of structural racism was also the focus of the Renewal of the Permanent Anti-Racism Civil Society Forum, held on 1 and 2 June as part of the EC’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030. There, MPG Director Isabelle Chopin presented MPG’s recommendations to EU institutions, experts and civil society, calling also for:
✋🏿 involving racialised communities in the decision making, and increasing cross-sectoral collaboration,
✋🏾 the adoption of clear guidelines on structural racism for the EU countries and embedding practices of restorative justice,
✋🏽 banning race-based risk profiling and easing access to justice,
✋🏼 supporting advocacy and activism - key to exposing structural racism - including through proper funding,
✋🏻 equality data collection, institutional monitoring and the setting-up of accountability mechanisms.

MPG continues to support the fight against structural racism through our research and work. To learn more,

👉🏿 read MPG policy brief Racial Structural Discrimination and Migrant Voice: Who Gets Heard in European Democracies? https://bit.ly/4bZEBTs

👉🏼 explore our policy recommendations Time to Talk about and Tackle Structural and Institutional Racism in the EU: https://bit.ly/476eZko

04/06/2026

country snapshot: 🇨🇭
Switzerland offers some meaningful elements of support, including interpretation services, individualised reintegration assessments and stable residence conditions for regularised migrants.

Yet significant weaknesses shape the overall picture:
• Highly restrictive access to voluntary return, particularly after a return decision.
• Punitive detention framework, with prison facilities permitted and weak independent monitoring.
• Narrow and discretionary regularisation pathways.
• Limited human rights safeguards across return procedures.

Isolated areas of support cannot compensate for restrictive access and weak oversight elsewhere in the system.
📊 See the full report: https://bit.ly/mirex-report

03/06/2026

MPG's Head of Research Başak Yavçan joined a Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies roundtable dedicated to the Dutch Advisory Council on Migration’s proposal for a more balanced approach to labour migration.
The discussion highlighted the value of transparent, evidence-based migration policies based not only on labour market needs, but on general well-being. Such labor policies take into account larger societal factors, including housing, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion.

At the same time, the conversation raised important questions:
• How can new admission mechanisms for migrant workers balance long-term societal considerations with the urgency of labour shortages?
• How do we ensure that the selection criteria of such policies do not create new barriers for certain groups of migrants, limiting their access to legal pathways and reinforcing existing inequalities?

As the labour migration debate continues to gain traction across Europe, it is essential to engage diverse perspectives and stakeholders. Sustainable policies must both address the EU’s economic needs and expand opportunities through accessible and equitable legal pathways.

02/06/2026

30 months of detention. Return hubs abroad with no monitoring of human rights. Speed and enforcement prioritised over fundamental safeguards.

The EU's new Return Regulation, agreed last night, doubles down where it should step back. Our Migrant Return Policy Index ( ), however, shows that on detention, child protection and alternatives to return, national return policies already fall short on human rights protection.

The new Regulation deepens every one of those gaps. Faster returns, weaker rights.
Read our full analysis on the latest developments: https://bit.ly/faster-returns-weaker-rights

02/06/2026

📜 Institutionalise multilingual education
First and family languages remain marginal in many education systems despite growing recognition of multilingualism as an educational and social resource.

The SIRIUS Watch Report 2026 highlights how support for multilingualism often depends on local initiatives, extracurricular activities, or short-term projects rather than long-term institutional commitment.

Building more inclusive education systems means recognising linguistic diversity as part of everyday learning environments.
Download full report → https://bit.ly/sirius-watch-2026

01/06/2026

Today we say goodbye to our Communications Manager Juris Lavrikovs.

Over the past two years, Juris helped expand our social media reach, digital presence and communications coordination. Beyond that, he amplified MPG's messaging and helped elevate our communications strategy. Through his daily work, he conveyed the real, human-impact story behind all of MPG’s work.

We remain grateful for your vision, creativity and outstanding work. All the very best, Juris!

01/06/2026

country review: 🇸🇪
Sweden is one of the stronger performers in the index, with the highest detention score (83/100) thanks to a 3-month limit, a full range of alternatives to detention and exceptionally rare detention of minors. Voluntary return access is broad, and human rights safeguards sit above the MIREX average.

Some weaknesses remain:
• Gaps in returnee assistance, with no targeted support for vulnerable groups.
• Precarious legal status for regularised migrants, with permits tightly tied to employment.
• Modest stakeholder involvement (31/100), largely state-led.

Sweden shows that stronger safeguards are achievable, but consistency across all dimensions remains the challenge.
📊 View the full report: https://bit.ly/mirex-report

29/05/2026

📈 Align assessment and support
Assessment is most effective when it is connected to continuous support, monitoring, and clear educational pathways.

The Watch Report 2026 compares how education systems assess migrant learners’ language skills and how these assessments are, or are not, linked to personalised support and long-term inclusion.

More coherent and standardised approaches can help ensure that learners receive the right support at the right time.
Download full report → https://bit.ly/sirius-watch-2026

Adres

Avenue De Tervuren 32-34
Brussels
1040

Website

https://www.migpolgroup.com/

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