The view on migration varies from generation to generation, country to country, society to society and from social class to social class. Every individual has its opinion and the International Organization of Migration collected these in their report “How the world views migration” which was published this October.
Source: http://www.banksy.co.uk/
The survey asked whether or not the immigration level should kept at its present level, be increased or decreased. It found out that Europe has the most negative attitude towards immigration with 52% wanting to decrease immigration compared to 34% globally. However, it is important to mention that these figures vary extremely depending on the country. For instance, France, Poland and some Balkan countries wish to have the same migration level as before. Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Scandinavian countries would even like to increase their immigration. The countries where the biggest part of the population wanted to decrease immigration were Greece and Russia followed by Great Britain.
Furthermore, the report compares the attitude towards migration of native-born citizens, first-generation and second-generation migrants. Obviously, first-generation migrants are more positive towards migration than the other groups however it is surprising, that second-generation migrants, those with a first-generation migrant parent, are not so supporting granted to their heritage as one might have thought. Probably, they fear strong competition on the job market.
Moreover, and that is not a surprise either, that welcoming migrants depends on the economic situation. While countries with a low unemployment rate show a positive attitude towards immigrants, countries struggling with economic crisis are rather negative towards an increasing number of competitors. So, the personal employment status, living standard and economic situation play a big role in it and the report suggests that these are the most essential factors.
Moreover, and that is not a surprise either, that welcoming migrants depends on the economic situation. While countries with a low unemployment rate show a positive attitude towards immigrants, countries struggling with economic crisis are rather negative towards an increasing number of competitors. So, the personal employment status, living standard and economic situation play a big role in it and the report suggests that these are the most essential factors.
Let’s come back to job competition. The report claims that depending on education and income, the natives have the impression of immigrants doing jobs that the citizens do not want to do. In high-income countries and when the population is well educated, the population usually does not mind migrants to do work because they usually have low-paid or not prestigious jobs. However, when residents have a low education or are low-paid, too, they have the impression of immigrants taking over “their” jobs. In Europe, almost have of the population is of the opinion that immigrants take jobs that the citizens do not want to do.
However, there are exceptions such as China and India and the report infers from this that, while economic reasons are important, there are also non-economic factors which shape the attitude towards immigration.
However, there are exceptions such as China and India and the report infers from this that, while economic reasons are important, there are also non-economic factors which shape the attitude towards immigration.
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If you want to learn more about this topic or see the exact figures for your country, go to the website of the International Organization of Migration and download the report for free.
By Sina Gösele |
