Over 5 million people migrated permanently to OECD countries in 2016. Following the 2015/16 peak of refugee arrivals in Europe, attention has now shifted towards effectively integrating migrants into their new societies. While migration policy remains a national responsibility, central and local authorities recognise that integration needs to happen where people are, in their workplaces, in their neighbourhoods, and in the schools where they send their children. Behind every migration statistic, there are individuals or families starting a new life in a new place. Local authorities, while coordinating with all levels of government and other local partners, play a key role in integrating newcomers and empowering them to contribute to their new communities.

When it comes to migrant integration, the local level matters. Where migrants go and how they integrate into their new communities depends on the specific characteristics of cities and regions. Local authorities play a vital role in this integration. Cities can learn from each other and the data and practices collected in this report help to provide local, regional, national and international policy makers and practitioners with better evidence for integration policy design.

Recent migration to OECD countries has been substantial: 5 million additional people migrated permanently to OECD countries in 2016, up 7% compared with 2015. But migration to the OECD is not a new phenomenon: more than 10% of residents in the OECD area in 2016 were born abroad and in 90% of OECD regions, foreign-born populations are largely made up of settled migrants who have been in the host country for more than ten years.