Thematic studies and national reports published in 2026

So far in 2026, EMN has published a comparative study on how to improve the matching of third-country nationals’ skills with labour market needs. Here you will find a brief description of the studies and national reports, as well as other useful materials.

EMN-OECD joint study on better matching between third-country nationals’ skills and labour market needs

The EMN-OECD joint study “Fostering sustainable labour market integration of third-country nationals: skills matching policies and instruments” provides a comparative overview of how and why different groups of third-country nationals are affected by skills mismatch. The study also examines the factors driving these challenges and the measures used by EMN Member Countries to strengthen third-country nationals’ opportunities for labour market integration. The study is based on national contributions from 25 EMN Member Countries and covers, among others, labour migrants, third-country nationals arriving via family reunification, beneficiaries of international or temporary.

The study shows that third-country nationals are more likely than native population to work in jobs that do not make full use of their educational qualifications. Limited language proficiency and challenges with the recognition of foreign qualifications are highlighted as some of the main barriers to effective skills matching, particularly in regulated professions. Other factors highlighted include gender, age, limited knowledge of the labour market and discrimination.

Almost all participating EMN Member Countries have introduced national policies and instruments to promote skills matching. Measures include the recognition of qualifications, information and career orientation, language training, and upskilling and reskilling. The study highlights integrated approaches that combine language, qualification recognition and employment support, as well as close cooperation with employers, as important lessons. In Sweden, examples highlighted include on-the-job language training with bilingual support and investment in education as a pathway towards long-term labour market integration.

*OECD stands for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

EMN Sweden presents a national report

The national report provides an in-depth overview of skills matching among third-country nationals in Sweden and the factors affecting their opportunities to find employment that matches their skills and qualifications. The report highlights, among other factors, the recognition of foreign qualifications, language proficiency, access to informal networks and discrimination as factors that can affect skills matching in the Swedish labour market.

The report also describes Swedish measures to address skills mismatch. These include language training and initiatives combining vocational education with Swedish language courses, as well as the importance of education, employer involvement and individualised support for sustainable labour market integration.