Opportunities to become economically self-sufficient are crucial to successful integration into society in the medium to long term, as well as to personal dignity. Skills development, work placements and business-development support can all be valuable depending on each individual’s profile. Access to work for new arrivals is key for their integration and can also generate important new energy in the local economy. The positive effects can be particularly pronounced in rural areas experiencing greater population ageing and decline, and closures of local services.