Fostering the labour market reintegration of returning migrant workers and former refugees
Photo © Pexels/Kelly Lacy
Online
Fostering the labour market reintegration of returning migrant workers and former refugees
15 September–24 October 2025
The course is available in English
Key Features
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
An action-oriented, highly participative approach will be used, with particular attention devoted to sharing international experiences with a view to their adaptation and practical application.
INTEGRATED E-LEARNING
An innovative e-learning experience combining self-paced modules, webinars and discussions, case studies, forum debates, role-play exercises and group work using up-to-date learning methods and technologies.
THREE PHASES
Learning begins at own pace, continues through high-quality, engaging “real time” sessions and ends with an individual assignment
PEER-TO-PEER LEARNING
Practitioners from different parts of the world and different background will join the e-learning to share with participants their concrete experience and actions on establishing fair recruitment practices.
Introduction to the course
The return of migrant workers and former refugees is a dynamic and often complex process, shaped by a combination of driving and enabling factors. Return may be prompted by challenges abroad, such as contract termination, unemployment, or difficulties with integration, but also by family-related reasons and the prospect of new opportunities in the country of origin. At the same time, successful reintegration depends on supportive conditions at home, including political stability, enabling policies, recognition of skills acquired abroad, and access to economic, social, and psychological support services. For refugees, whose return should remain voluntary, the availability of safety, security, and reliable reintegration opportunities is essential.
Ensuring that return becomes a sustainable solution requires more than individual motivation. It calls for coherent and well-coordinated public policies, strong institutions, and inclusive labour markets that offer genuine opportunities to returnees. Countries of origin should also align reintegration measures with broader development strategies, including those on education and training, employment, and social protection, while fostering social inclusion and combating stigma or discrimination.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities of labour market reintegration for returnees. It introduces the main concepts and policy tools developed by the ILO and partners, examines lessons learned from reintegration policies and programmes across different contexts, and equips participants with knowledge and strategies to strengthen further institutional capacity. Delivered in an interactive and flexible on-line format, the course is designed to support governments, social partners, and other key stakeholders in developing effective and sustainable reintegration policies and measures.
Who attends this course?
The course is designed for professionals involved in the reintegration of returnees.
More specifically:
- Public authorities at national and local level
- Workers' and employers' representatives
- NGOs and CSOs dealing with migration and development
- Migrant associations
- International cooperation agencies and organizations.
What are the topics covered in this course?
Drawing on ILO standards and guidelines, as well as other relevant international instruments, the course will address key dimensions such as main concepts and definitions of reintegration, relevant international standards, the analysis of policy areas at different levels (structural, institutional, community, and individual), the identification of target groups and stakeholders, methods for measuring reintegration outcomes, and the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of reintegration policies, together with more focused insights on gender-related issues, the skills dimensions of reintegration and the reintegration of former refugees. By the end of the course, participants are expected to be equipped not only with a deeper understanding of reintegration policies but also with practical instruments to design, implement, monitor and evaluate strategies that support the sustainable reintegration of returnees.
How?
The course consists of a number of online modules offered through the ITCILO e-Campus online platform to be completed over a period of six weeks for an estimated 60 learning hours. Key characteristics:
- Flexible learning: (asynchronous) self-guided online learning on e-campus, forum of discussion facilitated by experts and assessment throughout the different phases of the course;
- “Real time” learning (synchronous): Live interactive sessions and engaging video presentations by highly experienced trainers, blended with individual and collaborative group exercises, peer-to-peer assessment and online technical forums on e-campus;
- End of course assignment: Individual assignment applying the teachings acquired during the course.
Why should I join?
- The Turin Centre is known for its innovative learning tools and methodologies;
- Course facilitators are subject matter experts and specialists;
- Training delivery includes online and tutor-based learning opportunities;
- Participants exchange knowledge and ideas on existing good practices.
This course qualifies for the ITCILO Diploma for Labour Migration Experts and Practitioners. Take the Academy on Labour Migration, three courses out of all eligible courses within a five year period, and complete a capstone project to become part of a global cadre of practitioners and experts with a recognised set of skills in labour migration policy.
What will I be able to do?
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Identify the main challenges faced by returnees and distinguish specific reintegration needs according to their profiles and migration experiences.
- Describe and explain the essential components of a comprehensive and sustainable reintegration policy.
- Apply analytical tools and indicators to assess reintegration needs and inform the design of evidence-based reintegration policies.
- Interpret and compare innovative data and evidence on the socio-economic conditions of returnees.
- Evaluate current policy approaches and priorities in light of the need for effective and sustainable reintegration mechanisms.
- Formulate and propose strategies to strengthen institutional and policy frameworks that support the social and professional reintegration of returnees.
What will I be required to do during the course?
Course learning materials will be offered online in English. The following requirements are therefore essential to participate in this course:
- The ability to use and access a computer with Internet;
- working knowledge of written and spoken English;
- the availability to dedicate per week between 5-10 hours to the course.
Payment
The cost of participation is payable in advance by the participant or his or her sponsoring organization.
How to apply?
Interested candidates should register on-line clicking on the “APPLY NOW” button at the top-right of the page.
Selection will be based on the following criteria:
- Proven work experience in relevant field;
- Submission of a letter of sponsorship to cover the total course fees.
