The project's themes and objectives of the project were based on the analysis of socially excluded people who are often denied the opportunities available to others to increase their income and escape from poverty by their own efforts.

So, even though the economy may grow and general income levels may rise, excluded people are likely to be left behind and make up an increasing proportion of those who remain in poverty. Poverty reduction policies often fail to reach people at risk of poverty unless they are specifically designed to do so.

It impedes the efficient operation of market forces and restrains economic growth. Additionally, discrimination in the labour market may make TCNs decide it is not worthwhile to invest in their financial independence and fall victim to the benefit trap. This is increased when women are involved.  The project will ask whether admission policies in partner countries are really supporting the integration of TCNs or reinforcing their disadvantaged position in the labour market and society.

Particular attention was given to women.  The project seeked to influence policy makers in establishing a legal framework and a conscious policy that gets TCNs involved and contributes to society. The State is key to break down barriers to the labour market and service provision. Indeed, main international human rights agreements all promote measures to tackle discrimination against women and TCNs. However, individual country governments are the only bodies that protect those rights by producing their own domestic legislation to guarantee them. In order to make lasting progress, it is often necessary to support TCNs especially female TCNs, so they can benefit from successful policies, especially admission policies that may be the cause of their social exclusion. The project aims to do just that.

The project, which had a duration of 18 months, adopts a qualitative approach that is supported by quanatifiable secondary data drawn on information exisitng in all five partner countries i.e. Malta, Cyprus, UK, Italy and Belgium.

 Link to the Partners Map