Mission

The starting point for Delmi's work is the committee directives (dir. 2013:102). According to the directives, Delmi should contribute to further the knowledgebase for migration policy decisions and future migration policy, as well as increase the analysis and evaluation capacity in Sweden within the field of migration and extend the possibilities for using relevant research results. Furthermore, Delmi should contribute to the public debate by disseminating knowledge and information on migration issues to the general public, journalists and non-governmental organisations.

Delmi's assignment has been broadly formulated so that the delegation will have a large degree of independence and autonomy. One goal is to unite the academic and practical realm. In accordance with the committee directives, Delmi shall initiate, carry out, compile and communicate evaluations, analyses and studies of high scientific quality in order to shed light on the connections between migration and other policy areas, such as development, the labour market and integration. The connections should be studied at local, national, regional and international level. Delmi should also carry out international comparisons and analyse overall migration patterns, causes and trends regularly in order to contribute with knowledge in the field. The analytic work must correspond to identified data and statistical needs. Delmi shall also contribute to evaluations and follow-ups of the pursued migration policy. Statistics, studies, and knowledge overviews shall refer to issues and areas that are strategically important for the development of migration policy. The assignment is based on a need to increase the use of research results and to reduce the gap between the academic environment and society in general.

The following sections describes the committee's long-term goals and visions for the delegation. A number of strategic goals are also specified for Delmi's operations for the period 2021–2025.

In 2020, the Ministry of Justice evaluated Delmi's activities. As in the 2016 evaluation, the assessment was that Delmi's operations fulfil the assignment given in the committee directives with good results. By 2025 at the latest, the Government intends to take a position on Delmi's continued work.

Focus of long-term operations

Many sectors within both society and policy affect, and are affected by, migration. Therefore, migration issues need to be elucidated from many different angles and analysed from the perspectives of the migrant, the recipient country, and the country of emigration. A historical perspective can contribute to a better understanding of what migration has meant for Sweden. Thus, Delmi's activities are characterized by seeking to promote a holistic view.

Delmi shall prioritize issues where relevant knowledge gaps have been identified in relation to current policy and practice. To meet the knowledge needs that exist in the field of migration and integration, Delmi's strategy is to order and work with different types of scientific publications.

Delmi works independently to build up a knowledgebase of high scientific quality that, at the same time, is accessible to a wide audience. The assignment requires a long-term perspective as migration issues are extensive and the nexuses can be complex. Migration, like its causes and effects, needs to be monitored over time. The primary goal is to increase the capacity of analysis and evaluation within the field of migration, but also to put migration issues in a wider context. Therefore, Delmi works to contribute factual information, scientific analysis and new perspectives in the field of migration.

Collaborations are carried out with both Swedish and international researchers. The authors must have a clear ownership of their studies and independently stand for analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. This is important, partly because it contributes to maintaining high-quality studies, and partly because it helps to highlight and provide new angles and perspectives. Delmi operates on the basis of double independence, both versus the hired researchers and versus the client, the Government.

Delmi works actively to maintain a network of contacts with leading organisations and research environments in the field of migration. Collaborations with other actors are carried out in cases where it is deemed relevant and effective for the implementation of the studies. Delmi also contributes to the dissemination of knowledge by creating forums where actors within the migration field can meet and exchange information and experiences.

Objectives for the assignment period 2021–2025

The committee's overall objectives for the activities during the assignment period 2021–2025 are described below. The objectives describe what Delmi will focus on during the current period in order to create the best possible conditions for the delegation to develop in accordance with the directives and the committee's long-term vision. They should also serve as a general guide for planning and prioritization within the day-to-day work.

1. Delmi will monitor the development of migration policy both nationally, at EU level, and internationally.

To support a knowledge-based migration policy, Delmi actively conducts external monitoring, both domestically and internationally, to identify areas where the need for additional knowledge is particularly great. One example of such an area is the link between migration and the corona pandemic. Migration has decreased as a result of the pandemic, with effects for both countries of origin and destination. Questions relating to how migration/migrants affect and are affected by pandemics and epidemics will probably continue to be relevant to study for an extended time period. During the assignment period 20212025, Delmi will continue to highlight research that is linked to the consequences of pandemics for migrants and migration.

On 15 September 2020, a parliamentary committee presented its report on a long-term sustainable migration policy (SOU 2020:54). The report contains several proposals for reforms, including proposals to permanenting the interim rule of temporary residence permit, language and social skills requirements for obtaining permanent residence permit, and financial support requirements for family reunification. During the assignment period 2021–2025, Delmi will continuously monitor developments in these areas and, when relevant, contribute knowledge and research. To the extent that it is considered desired, Delmi shall analyse the effects of implemented reform proposals.

During the assignment period, Delmi will follow the development of the proposed new Pact on Migration and Asylum presented by the European Commission on 23 September 2020. The Pact contains proposals for actions and arrangements in the areas of migration, asylum, integration, border management and cooperation with third countries. During the assignment period, Delmi will prioritize studies that can contribute to increased knowledge in these areas.

The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2018 with the aim of promoting international co-operation in tackling the challenges of migration and seizing its opportunities. During the assignment period, Delmi will develop new or popularize existing research concerning the framework's contribution to a more secure, orderly, and regular migration.

2. Delmi will work interdisciplinary between different policy and research areas to counteract narrow thinking and increase collaboration between different actors in the field of migration.

Delmi will emphasise the links between migration and other policy areas such as: aid and development, climate and environment, employment and labour law, political participation and democracy, health and education, culture and the media, to name a few. Delmi shall contribute with added value in actively working to bring policy areas together.

To ensure a width in Delmi's publications, the delegation is organised in accordance with five overlapping focus areas: migration and development, labour market, society, democracy, and regulations. Within the framework of each focus area, further restrictions and priorities are made.

There is a need to compile and refine existing knowledge and research results as well as translate results from research and evaluations into relevant policy conclusions. During the assignment period 2021–2025, Delmi plans to continue to place emphasis on compiling, summarising, translating, and popularising existing Swedish and international research. The report series “Dissertation News” (Delmi 2017:3; 2018:6; 2020:7) is an example of such an initiative where Delmi has compiled popular science and policy-relevant summaries of current dissertations in the field of migration and integration. Translating and summarizing existing international research in “Policy Briefs” is another approach (see, for example, Delmi Policy Brief 2017:4, 2019:6, 2019:7 and 2020:5). A third way is the ongoing collaboration with the Swedish Research Council within the framework of the joint initiative: "Conversations on migration and integration – researchers meet practitioners". Projects funded by the Swedish Research Council are published by Delmi in the form of Policy Briefs (see, for example, 2019:8 and 2019:9). In addition to this, work has begun on developing Delmi's existing knowledge overviews with the aim of being able to write so-called meta-overviews within the various thematic areas, and not least the labour market and integration.

3. Delmi will create contact opportunities for communication and meetings between politics, practice, and academia.

During the assignment period 2021–2025, Delmi will continue to work to promote meetings and the exchange of experiences between politicians, practitioners, researchers, and civil society. By inviting stakeholders from different professions and spheres to scientific seminars, roundtable discussions and network meetings, Delmi creates contact opportunities where meetings and exchange of experiences can take place.

4. Delmi will initiate and conduct its own research in areas where relevant knowledge is lacking.

In areas where there is a great need for knowledge, Delmi will initiate and conduct its own research. The availability of resources determines the extent to which such projects are prioritised. In cases where it is deemed relevant, external funding shall be sought for projects. Return and reintegration of third-country nationals is an example of an area where Delmi assesses that there is a lack of knowledge and research today, especially from a Swedish perspective. Considering this, Delmi has during the assignment period 2017–2020 applied for and been granted co-financing from the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) for a project on return and reintegration, focusing on the returnees' own experiences of both voluntary and involuntary return. As well as the subsequent reintegration into the country of origin and the support structures offered there. Based on discussions and inquiries with relevant authorities and other actors in the field, Delmi assesses that the need for knowledge remains large and that Delmi's work with the issues are valued. The area is a high priority in both Sweden and the EU – which the new asylum and migration pact, where the Commission is placing an increased focus on return, is proof of. The importance of return is also noticeable in the EU's forthcoming Asylum and Migration Fund (AMF) for the period 2021–2027 and Sweden's national program for the fund. During the assignment period 2021–2025, Delmi will therefore investigate the possibility of applying for external funding, primarily from AMF, for further projects within the same theme.

5. Delmi will continue to digitise its operations.

Delmi is moving towards a more digital way of working, not only as a consequence of the corona pandemic but also as an adaptation to an increasingly digital society. Digital activities will include webcasts and webinars as well as the publication of both audio and video on Delmi's website. To the extent possible, other types of meeting activities, such as internal seminars, roundtable discussions and reference group meetings during the pandemic will also be converted to digital forms. As part of improving Delmi's digital presence, a new website is being created to better meet the needs of Delmi's target group. In accordance with the EU Directive (2016/2102) on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies, Delmi will design the website, as well as documents, audio and video distributed therein, so that they are possible to perceive, manage and understand for all users, including people with disabilities. The newly launched Delmi podcast serves as an additional channel for the launching of Delmi publications to make knowledge available in an objective way from a research perspective.

Prioritisation criteria for selection of studies

The selection and prioritisation of studies and projects are based on assessments of knowledge needs, research status and policy relevance. Policy relevance means that Delmi's studies will be able to contribute to a basis for migration policy decisions and future migration policy. Reports (this does not include knowledge overviews) should therefore contain policy recommendations. In those studies where concrete policy recommendations are not applicable, a policy-relevant discussion can instead contribute to knowledge that forms the basis for policy decisions or contribute to further studies which in turn can result in policy recommendations.

Duplicate work should be avoided. Many actors such as universities, research institutes, think tanks, authorities, social partners, industry, and civil society organisations conduct research, carry out evaluations and analyses in the field of migration and integration. It is important to use existing knowledge when selecting Delmi's studies.