Scotland would benefit from introducing a social integration strategy for all migrants, providing it is mainstreamed and aimed at supporting the inclusion of everyone into local communities and within the wider society, regardless of their ethnic background.
This is from the June 2018 report (pdf) from Dr Paulina Trevena at the University of Glasgow on whether introducing a social integration strategy for all migrants in Scotland could support the goal of attracting and retaining people in the country.
The research shows that Scottish society, though seen as welcoming and friendly towards incomers, is not free from prejudice and is not generally supportive of maintaining or increasing current levels of immigration to Scotland.
The report finds:
- There is little awareness of the need for sustained immigration to Scotland
- Attitudes towards migrants vary considerably depending on location and section of society, and are most negative among people living in areas of multiple deprivation where the competition for resources is strongest (and where many migrants live at the same time)
- There are many concerns around immigration, including the isolation and ‘non-integration’ of migrant communities, especially in rural areas
The report recommends that the integration strategy should consist of:
- An inclusive vision for Scotland communicated through policy discourse and the media and supported by an education campaign
- A reception strategy for new arrivals to Scotland
- Standardised policies in schools with relation to integrating newcomer children
- Diversity teaching as part of the general curriculum
- Diversity training for frontline staff in the public sector
