Re:Match - demand-orientated and algorithm-based relocation of protection seekers via matching

Europe faces the challenge of a fair and effective distribution and reception of protection seekers. We want to contribute to a solution for a human rights-based European migration policy. That is why Re:Match is piloting an innovative algorithm-based matching and relocation procedure. In the pilot phase, we match and relocate Ukrainian protection seekers to German municipalities that are ready to receive them.

The distribution and reception of protection seekers is rarely based on the personal needs or capacities of the receiving municipalities. Re:Match is an innovative matching project that addresses precisely this problem: It takes into account the individual profiles and preferences of those seeking protection and matches them with the infrastructural framework and capacities of the municipalities. It also takes into account the needs of local labor markets. The matching is done by an algorithm and aims to facilitate the reception and integration process for both sides from day one. Through the matching and relocation process, Re:Match aims to provide better future prospects for protection seekers and better planning opportunities for municipalities. In addition, the project sends a strong political signal of solidarity among municipalities and tests for the first time how voluntary, needs-oriented municipal reception can function on a European scale.

The distribution and reception of people seeking protection is rarely based on the personal needs or capacities of the host municipalities. Re:Match is an innovative matching project that addresses precisely this problem: it takes into account the individual profiles and preferences of those seeking protection and matches them with the infrastructural framework conditions and capacities of the municipalities. The needs of local labour markets are also taken into account. The matching is carried out using an algorithm and aims to facilitate the reception and integration process for both sides from day one. Through the matching and relocation process, Re:Match aims to open up better future prospects for people seeking protection and offer local authorities better planning options. The project also sends out a strong political signal of solidarity between local authorities and, for the first time, tests how voluntary, needs-orientated municipal reception can work at European level.

The project will be evaluated in detail. At the end of the pilot phase, a report will be published summarizing the results and findings from the pilot project that are relevant for political decision-makers.

A continuation of the project is currently being designed. Based on the findings from the pilot phase, processes and the algorithm will be further developed. Likewise, we will examine how the processes need to be adapted if the matching system is to be applied to protection seekers who have a different legal status than people fleeing the war of aggression in Ukraine.

The Re:Match project is currently being implemented. More detailed information about the implementation can be found on the multilingual Project website. For the latest updates, you can also subscribe to our newsletter.

The project in brief

This graphic on the migration project Re:Match - Relocation via Matching of the Berlin Governance Platform presents the key data in brief. In terms of content, it states: 1. OBJECTIVE A matching pilot project that enables individualised & needs-based admission of protection seekers to European municipalities and tests the scalability of algorithm-based relocation 2. WHO Approximately 100 protection seekers who are currently in Poland or Ukraine 3. WHERE 6 municipalities in Germany that are willing to accept them 4. WHEN September 2022 - October 2023

Project process

This graphic on the process of the migration project Re:Match - Relocation via Matching of the Berlin Governance Platform presents the key data of the planning and implementation. The content is as follows: 1. WORKSHOPS WITH COMMUNITIES (symbol: houses & trees of a municipality) Together with municipalities, relevant criteria for matching between them and people seeking protection are defined. This includes municipal infrastructure & current capacities as well as needs. 2. WORKSHOPS WITH SEEKERS OF PROTECTION (symbol: a small group of people) The relevant criteria for matching between municipalities and seekers of protection are developed in close cooperation with seekers of protection. 3. OUTREACH REFUGEES (symbol: many people) Salam Lab, our partner NGO in Poland, informs people seeking protection from Ukraine about the possibility of relocating to a German municipality. Needs and capacities are assessed in interviews. 4. DATA COLLECTION (symbol: files and papers) The data of participating protection seekers and the municipalities are recorded and transmitted in accordance with data protection regulations. 5. MATCHING (symbol: puzzle pieces) Protection seekers are matched with the cities on an individualised and needs-oriented basis using an algorithm. 6. RELOCATION (symbol: points move from one centre to several locations, are redistributed) The people seeking protection are informed and confirm the match, transfer and reception are organised.
Logo of the Berlin Governance Platform's Re:Match pilot project in four colours. The individual pieces of the symbol match with the others to create a matching whole.
DURATION

09/2022 - 10/2023 (project continuation from 11/23 in planning)

PROJECT WEBSITE

https://rematch-eu.org/

NEWSLETTER

Registration here

TEAM
FUNDER

Open Society Foundation, German Foundation for Engagement and Volunteering

News about the project

The first successes of the project have already been highlighted by the press. Here you will find blog updates, open job advertisements and our press review
A banner for the blog entry "Re:Match project: third relocation & admission via matching successful! Next steps: Evaluation and political communication " from September 2023 for the migration project Re:Match - Relocation via Matching of the Berlin Governance Platform.

Re:Match project: third relocation & admission via matching successful! Next steps: evaluation and political communication

With the help of an algorithm-supported procedure, this week we successfully connected a group of 26 Ukrainian asylum seekers from Poland with the...
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A banner for the blog entry "Re:Match project: First relocation & admission via matching successful!" from July 2023 for a migration project of the Berlin Governance Platform.

Re:Match project: Second relocation & admission via matching successful!

With the help of an algorithm-supported procedure, this week we successfully connected a group of 26 Ukrainian asylum seekers from Poland with the...
Continue Reading
A screenshot of the WDR article "Düsseldorf tests system for refugee distribution" The Re:Match project was portrayed in a new WDR audio report, among other things about the project status in our partner municipality Düsseldorf and our goal of piloting a needs-based and individualised distribution mechanism using an algorithm.

WDR: "Düsseldorf tests system for refugee distribution"

The Re:Match project was portrayed in a new WDR audio programme, including a report on the project status in our partner municipality Düsseldorf and our...
Continue Reading

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