Attitudes towards immigrants, other integration barriers and their veracity (NEW UPDATE)

Most of the available research do not focus on and neglect the opinion of the involved in the integration process. The IZA Expert Opinion Survey 2007 reveals this view. The paper studies opinions and attitudes towards immigrants and minorities and their interactions with other barriers to minorities ‘economic integration.

Ethnic minorities include indigenous, linguistic and religious minorities; stateless people; and people with a foreign origin. Minorities are often behind on natives and the majority populations in economic, educational, social and political areas. Higher unemployment rates, lower occupational attainment and wages, lose labour market attachment are more common in these groups.

The voice of the minorities:

Robust findings show that ethnic minorities:

• Are confronted with integration difficulties;
• Natives have in general a negative attitude towards the integration of ethnic minorities;
• This negative attitude is a key factor in this challenging situation;
• Discrimination is acknowledge as the single most important integration barrier;
• Low education, low self-confidence, cultural differences also makes the process of integration more difficult;
• Ethnic minorities wish to have well designed integration policies and enforce anti-discrimination laws.
  
  

This study is the first to investigate the perspectives of the expert stakeholders and ethnic minorities on the aspect of integration. An insight in the main barriers of the integration process can be of value in future policies.