Economic benefit of migrants not utilised: report

The potential of migrants to boost the economy is not being tapped into and may actually be harmed due to Government policies, according to a report co-written by economist Jim Power.

The report, published by the Integration Centre, claims that, instead of being viewed as a benefit to the country, migrants are often seen as a problem or a potential drain on resources.

Mr Power, who is also an Irish Examiner columnist, and co-author Peter Szlovak, said that many migrants also felt isolated from the political system, with Mr Power claiming: “Many would feel the Government is for the Irish, rather than the whole lot.”

It suggests there is a perception that “the increased flow of international migrants is undesirable and is viewed more as a cost than a benefit. This is wrong.”

According to the report, Migrants and the Irish Economy, the potential economic benefits of migration and the skills they bring to the country is not being fully utilised, adding that “to date, there is little evidence to show that immigrants would be more likely to avail of jobseekers payments than Irish nationals”.

According to the report, people in Ireland are now living in “abnormal times”, which can lead to a tendency “to blame immigrants for the various economic and social problems besetting individual countries”.

The report also makes a number of recommendations, including more Government support for gardaí and local authorities to tackle racism, a focus on attracting new migrant entrepreneurs, and statutory right to family reunification for non-EU workers.

* www.integrationcentre.ie