Open Society Foundations WHO WE ARE HOW WE WORK WHAT WE DO PUBLICATIONS “More Legal Migration Will Stem Irregular Arrivals”—Does This Assumption Hold True? A case study on Ukrainian migration to Poland Date June 2020 Authors Marta Jaroszwicz and Iryna Sushko Program Open Society European Policy Institute As the recent case of Ukrainian workers in Poland shows, policies to increase regular migration will not automatically lead to a fall in irregular migration. Moreover, expert analysis of government statistics has shown that, in Poland, tightening work-permit rules has led to a slight reduction in legal worker migration from Ukraine. Consequently, the pool of workers in a legally uncertain and vulnerable position has increased. This report concludes that in order to address this dysfunction and avoid related issues in the future, policymakers in Poland should embrace structural reforms to the country’s labor market and immigration system. One of the best and easiest ways to begin this process is to create an efficient process for granting full legal status to migrant workers from Ukraine. Download “More Legal Migration Will stem Irregular Arrivals”—Does this Assumption Hold True? (785.52 KB PDF FILE) Download the 32-page report. Read more A PROMISING STEP Q&A: Progress for Migrant Workers in Italy The government of Italy’s COVID-19 stimulus proposal includes measures to protect migrant laborers working in some of the country’s most important industries. While this is welcome news, more is needed. MAY 27, 2020 HOPE ON LESVOS Q&A: Forging a Bond between Locals and Refugees The Greek island of Lesvos remains at the frontlines of refugee arrivals to Europe. Currently, more than 21,000 refugees are held there. A grassroots group called the Starfish Foundation is working to improve the lives of locals and refugees. JANUARY 22, 2020 CULTIVATING COMMUNITY A Garden Grows on Lampedusa On the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, which remains on the forefront of migration to Europe, the locals are reclaiming their culture of farming and building community—one ancient seed at a time. AUGUST 2, 2019 | LUCY CARRIGAN Subscribe to updates about Open Society’s work around the world By entering your email address and clicking “Submit,” you agree to receive updates from the Open Society Foundations about our work. To learn more about how we use and protect your personal data, please view our privacy policy. VOICES Read the latest from our staff, grantees, and partners about how we’re working around the world to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. Learn more HOW WE FUND Every year the Open Society Foundations give thousands of grants to groups and individuals that work on the issues we focus on—promoting tolerance, transparency, and open debate. Learn more WHO WE ARE Our History George Soros Leadership Financials Policies Programs Offices and Foundations HOW WE WORK How We Fund Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships Awarded Grants WHAT WE DO Where We Work Themes Events Newsroom Publications Employment Contact Us © 2021 Open Society Foundations, some rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Privacy Accessibility