According to the Immigrant Citizens Survey (Huddleston and Dag Tjaden, 2012), most migrants want to settle and become more rooted in the society they moved to. Between 80 and 95 per cent are or want to be long-term residents and, on average, people apply for permanent visas not long after the minimum period established.
Migrants who find opportunities to engage in the labour market, institutions and social and cultural life often settle more permanently. They may develop a sense of identification with the country, acquire nationality and root their family in their new home. Policies ensuring that migrants’ rights are respected and providing them with opportunities for inclusion and participation in society have a profound impact on the readiness and capacity of migrants and their descendants to invest in their own integration.