Their return to their country of origin is often encouraged by modest financial incentives, even when the extreme of expulsion is not reached. Such double socialisation can lead to failure at school, insecurity at home, and a permanent loss of sense of identity. Policy Statement IFSW believes that social workers can help sensitise authorities and public opinion, so that the same resources and opportunities available to nationals are also provided for migrants. This information should include all aspects which facilitate better adaptation to the new living conditions, use of the social services and assistance in the receiving country. The history and customs of the receiving country, the language, rights and obligations, education, cultural activities etc., should all be the subject of pre-departure information.
Information regarding likely employment and accommodation is a key element.
IFSW proposes that this information be provided jointly between the countries of emigration and of immigration. This should be supplemented by efforts of social services organisations and consular authorities in the receiving countries to overcome the obstacles experienced on arrival. IFSW supports achieving an acceptable level of integration in immigration countries between foreign workers and the national majority, which allows the former to conserve their cultural identity, while permitting the naturalisation of those who desire it. At all times migrants should be free to return to their country of origin if they so wish. IFSW considers that the integration of migrants in the receiving country is complete only when obstacles barring their participation in the decision-making process are removed.