No link seen between immigration and rise in crime, unemployment

An EU-funded report which could impact on future EU immigration policies, says there is no evidence of immigration leading to increases in crime and unemployment.

The report reviews the findings of 17 research projects, providing an up-to-date picture of migration and immigration in Europe.

It shows that there is no direct cause and link between immigration, crime and unemployment.

The study also shows that immigrants tend to accept marginal jobs which EU citizens do not want, and, should immigration decline, Europe could experience shortages of manpower.

A local EU specialist said the report provided an insight over the impact of migration and immigration in Europe.

"It also weakens arguments constantly made by Eurosceptics in Malta that upon membership Malta will be invaded by European immigrants, especially Sicilians. There is now concrete evidence which shows that this is not reality in Europe. Having said that, it is also worth pointing out that the Maltese government has negotiated special safeguards to ensure that Malta will be able to control any possible influx of foreign workers. These safeguards were negotiated to put the Maltese people's minds at rest even though the experience in Europe over decades clearly shows there is no room for concern."

The study explores situations in both new immigration countries and in countries with a longer tradition of immigration, such as France, Germany and the UK. "Ignorance is the basis of racism," said European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. "This new report will help to ensure that any future policies dealing with immigration issues take into account some of the latest information available about the problems that migrants encounter in Europe today."

Research indicates that although the rights of immigrant workers to reunite with their families are underpinned by a variety of international conventions, in practice most EU member states interpret the law in different ways.

A key finding of the research is that immigrants generally experience poorer living conditions than EU citizens living in the same areas, particularly in employment and housing. Immigrant children tend to perform relatively poorly in school, with greater problems and higher dropout rates.

Research shows that there is a widespread perception that poor living and working conditions are the accepted norm for migrants. Unemployment represents one of the most serious conditions affecting many migrants in Europe. In Germany, for instance, the employment gap between foreigners and Germans has widened significantly, from 0.7 per cent in 1979 to 8.5 per cent in 1998.

The report concludes that unemployment is not directly related to the rate of immigration. On the contrary, immigrants tend to take up marginal jobs, unwanted by most locals. Should immigration sharply decline, unemployment would actually rise, and not the other way around.

Research outcomes demonstrate the key role national governments play in influencing the conditions for immigration and integration. They also show that policies in this area have often had unforeseen and even undesirable consequences.

Government services play a crucial role in integration. Equal access to education, welfare, health and other services is vital if immigrants are to avoid social exclusion. However, research has indicated that some types of service provision actually increase exclusion, by isolating immigrants from the rest of the community. Some special services for minorities may hinder integration into the education system and the labour market.

Public opinion appears in many cases to drive official policies. Attitudes have often hindered policies designed to achieve greater equality, or to break down barriers to integration. The media and political leaders play a big part in this.