Post by earl on Jun 10, 2008 14:05:23 GMT
Migration Will Continue to be a Factor of Irish Life, Claims Report
A detailed study published this week on the integration experiences of four nationality groups in Ireland the Chinese, Indian, Lithuanian and Nigerian. 500 people from cities towns and rural areas took part in the study which was conducted by Migration and Citizenship Research Initiative, UCD, for the Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI).
"The four nationality groups were chosen to provide a broad picture of the diverse nature of migration to Ireland" ICI chief executive Denise Charlton said.
The research found that many of the participants were highly educated and had worked in skilled positions before arriving in Ireland and with regards to integrating well in the Irish community many of the migrants saw a need for proficiency in the English language.
Ms Charlton said, "The government has indicated that proficiency in English may become a requirement for acquiring Irish citizenship so the need to ensure that migrants have an opportunity to develop their English language skills takes on an added urgency, we have called on the government to provide a national programme of English language and introductory courses for migrants because we believe that it will be of critical importance to integration."
The report says that the Irish economy expanded considerably in recent years and that expansion has been facilitated by the contribution of migrant workers. The study supports findings that certain sections of the Irish economy would not function without migrant labour. Migrants also contribute to Irish economy through direct and indirect taxation and make limited demands on services provided by the State.
The study found that migrants were generally young, hard working, highly educated and skilled and added vitality to the places where they lived and worked. Their presence enriches Irish society culturally, financially and socially. Migration involves workers, labourers, students, asylum seekers, children and family members.
The report called 'Getting On' states that for integration to occur the Irish State must play a central role. Well informed and resourced integration policies and practices are essential to ensure the development of a well integrated, democratic and diverse society.
But there are concerns that the restrictive migration policies threaten to undermine advances that have already been made. Legislation such as the Employment Permits Bill 2006 and the Immigration and Residents Bill which has proposed surveillance measures for migrants, restrictions on marriage and have increased funding to monitor migration and border control. There is also the omissions of policies that promote family re-unification and these omissions will actively obstruct social integration.
Many of the migrant interviewees highlighted the responsibility of the media and state in encouraging and facilitating integration. A Nigerian interviewee stated that the key is Irish society offering reasonable opportunities for integration and employment, "If Nigerians are given opportunities, I can see them establishing a respectful community."
Many migrants report experiences of discrimination at work including bullying, harassment, poor pay and conditions and poor promotion opportunities. Those on the work permit system were particularly vulnerable compared to EU and working visa holders and the high cost of living in Ireland forced many into shared housing or to take on extra jobs.
Most migrants are tenants with insecure tenures with leases with no more than up to a year and most felt insecure where they lived. The ICI notes the emergence of cluster migrant communities and recommends improved access to low cost housing combined with stricter regulation of the private rented sector and greater tenant protection.
Another recommendation by the ICI is to provide comprehensive anti racism training for front line service providers 'Getting On 'highlights the cost of administration and immigration services.
Most migrants take a full day off work to get a visa stamp resulting in a loss of earnings and stress. In addition there is the charge of €100 for the Garda national Immigration stamp which has to be paid every year, there is no reason why this cannot be made into a one off payment. Equalising employment rights for spouses of green card permit holders was another recommendation.
The report went on to say that migration in all its diverse forms will continue to be a permanent feature in Irish society, many migrants have made Ireland their home and have established strong connections to local people and places. Social inclusion policies need to be implemented as a matter of priority if Ireland is to become a well functioning and integrated society. Social inclusion requires quality proofing and main streaming services. The research found that there was a strong desire for more interaction with Irish Nationals.
One of the migrant interviewees commended the recent appointment of a Junior Minister for Integration, "The new minister is good news for foreigners, now they realise that foreigners are helping the economy, they should tap into it like America, foreigners developed that country. Many hope that this appointment signals a wider recognition and valuing of the contribution of migrants to Irish society."
A detailed study published this week on the integration experiences of four nationality groups in Ireland the Chinese, Indian, Lithuanian and Nigerian. 500 people from cities towns and rural areas took part in the study which was conducted by Migration and Citizenship Research Initiative, UCD, for the Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI).
"The four nationality groups were chosen to provide a broad picture of the diverse nature of migration to Ireland" ICI chief executive Denise Charlton said.
The research found that many of the participants were highly educated and had worked in skilled positions before arriving in Ireland and with regards to integrating well in the Irish community many of the migrants saw a need for proficiency in the English language.
Ms Charlton said, "The government has indicated that proficiency in English may become a requirement for acquiring Irish citizenship so the need to ensure that migrants have an opportunity to develop their English language skills takes on an added urgency, we have called on the government to provide a national programme of English language and introductory courses for migrants because we believe that it will be of critical importance to integration."
The report says that the Irish economy expanded considerably in recent years and that expansion has been facilitated by the contribution of migrant workers. The study supports findings that certain sections of the Irish economy would not function without migrant labour. Migrants also contribute to Irish economy through direct and indirect taxation and make limited demands on services provided by the State.
The study found that migrants were generally young, hard working, highly educated and skilled and added vitality to the places where they lived and worked. Their presence enriches Irish society culturally, financially and socially. Migration involves workers, labourers, students, asylum seekers, children and family members.
The report called 'Getting On' states that for integration to occur the Irish State must play a central role. Well informed and resourced integration policies and practices are essential to ensure the development of a well integrated, democratic and diverse society.
But there are concerns that the restrictive migration policies threaten to undermine advances that have already been made. Legislation such as the Employment Permits Bill 2006 and the Immigration and Residents Bill which has proposed surveillance measures for migrants, restrictions on marriage and have increased funding to monitor migration and border control. There is also the omissions of policies that promote family re-unification and these omissions will actively obstruct social integration.
Many of the migrant interviewees highlighted the responsibility of the media and state in encouraging and facilitating integration. A Nigerian interviewee stated that the key is Irish society offering reasonable opportunities for integration and employment, "If Nigerians are given opportunities, I can see them establishing a respectful community."
Many migrants report experiences of discrimination at work including bullying, harassment, poor pay and conditions and poor promotion opportunities. Those on the work permit system were particularly vulnerable compared to EU and working visa holders and the high cost of living in Ireland forced many into shared housing or to take on extra jobs.
Most migrants are tenants with insecure tenures with leases with no more than up to a year and most felt insecure where they lived. The ICI notes the emergence of cluster migrant communities and recommends improved access to low cost housing combined with stricter regulation of the private rented sector and greater tenant protection.
Another recommendation by the ICI is to provide comprehensive anti racism training for front line service providers 'Getting On 'highlights the cost of administration and immigration services.
Most migrants take a full day off work to get a visa stamp resulting in a loss of earnings and stress. In addition there is the charge of €100 for the Garda national Immigration stamp which has to be paid every year, there is no reason why this cannot be made into a one off payment. Equalising employment rights for spouses of green card permit holders was another recommendation.
The report went on to say that migration in all its diverse forms will continue to be a permanent feature in Irish society, many migrants have made Ireland their home and have established strong connections to local people and places. Social inclusion policies need to be implemented as a matter of priority if Ireland is to become a well functioning and integrated society. Social inclusion requires quality proofing and main streaming services. The research found that there was a strong desire for more interaction with Irish Nationals.
One of the migrant interviewees commended the recent appointment of a Junior Minister for Integration, "The new minister is good news for foreigners, now they realise that foreigners are helping the economy, they should tap into it like America, foreigners developed that country. Many hope that this appointment signals a wider recognition and valuing of the contribution of migrants to Irish society."