Report on the integration of immigrants in Catalonia. In collaboration with: Generalitat de Catalunya Departament de Benestar Social i Família

Transcription

1 Report on the integration of immigrants in Catalonia In collaboration with: Generalitat de Catalunya Departament de Benestar Social i Família

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3 Report on the integration of immigrants in Catalonia Quim Brugué Sheila González Institut de Govern i Polítiques Públiques (UAB) Jordi Gusi Àgata Sol Entitats Catalanes d Acció Social

4 The Directorate General for Immigration commissioned this report to Institut de Govern i Polítiques Públiques (Institut of Government and Public Policies) and to Entitats Catalanes d Acció Social (Catalan Federation of Social Action Organizations). This project received also the support of la Caixa Foundation. Generalitat de Catalunya, 2013 Directorate General for Immigration Ministry of Social Welfare and Family Calàbria, Barcelona Authors: Quim Brugué and Sheila González (IGOP); Jordi Grau and Ágata Sol (ECAS) Institut de Govern i Polítiques Públiques Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Edifici MRA, 1a planta Campus UAB Bellaterra Entitats Catalanes d Acció Social Via Laietana, 54, 1r Barcelona With the collaboration of: You are free to share this work, but only under the terms of this license: Cover photography: John Morgan 1 st online edition: November 2013 Legal diposit no.: B Graphic design: gama, sl

5 Presentation To make Catalonia a united country has been one of the primary objectives of Catalans in recent decades. In the year 1992 the Catalan Government (Generalitat de Catalunya) decided to analyse what was then the new phenomenon of immigration, and created a commission involving eight departments of the Generalitat with this aim. This was the initial stage of the first inter department Plan for Immigration, which was applied from 1993 till One of the priorities in the aims for designing this first Plan, and also of the subsequent ones, which the various governments of the Generalitat have approved, has been the promotion of a global policy of integration which favours social cohesion, while respecting the roots of all. Integration in the best sense of the word consists of a double-track process, based on respect and the will of immigrants to adapt to the society that receives them, and of this society likewise to offer respect and the will to accept diversity. The passing of time and the Reception Law itself make it necessary to evaluate the situation of social integration of citizens of all origins, and this is not easy because we need indicators which among others are based to a large extent on perceptions and personal experiences. This first Report on the integration of immigrants in Catalonia, which we are presenting, intends to provide a realistic vision, while aiming to put into perspective subjective factors and propose indicators when permitted which from now on will give us reference points for future reports. We must become familiar with the true dimension of our surroundings to be able to define and improve and make more efficient the design and application of public policy. Only in this way will we reach our goal of a Catalonia which is sovereign, and a solid cohesion, as we would wish. This is our goal and commitment. Neus Munté Catalan Minister of Social Welfare and Family

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7 Prologue Hereby we present the first Report on the integration of immigrants in Catalonia, which was our duty to prepare according to the Law of 10/2010 on the reception of immigrants and returning people into Catalonia, approved on the 7 of May. The Law states that in order to prepare the report we can count on the participation of the bodies referred to in articles 28 and 29, and on the technical collaboration of other public and private entities, as well as experts in each field. This Report has been prepared for the first time, and with the aim to guarantee the requisite of independence which the law and society stipulates. The research has been carried out by the Institute of Government and Public Policy (IGOP) of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, and the Federation of Catalan Entities for Social Action (ECAS). The fact that it connects the academic world with the Catalan network of associations implies an added value because it facilitates the combination of objective data compiled by expert investigators and the subjective experiences of immigrants. It is hard to define precisely the concept of integration, and even harder to quantify it. This is why the authors of the Report have decided to divide the report into two parts: the first part based on statistic data and the second more subjective from the collection of opinions of the people interviewed. The combination of these two procedures can give us clues and some primary conclusions on how the process is developing towards immigrants and their descendants becoming fully identified with the country of reception. This also illustrates how this mixture is being brought about and consists of the arrival of new elements to the culture of reception. As such we can enrich society, and at the same time absorb the basis of the culture which is shared with the rest of the population. Future studies will provide greater depth to these observations, which we hope will improve public policy in the matter of reception and integration to favour a good coexistence and consolidate social cohesion in our country. Xavier Bosch Director General for Immigration

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9 Summary 1. Introduction A panoramic view on migration reality: immigration by the numbers Immigration in Catalonia: a general approach Distribution of territorial immigration An end note: country of origin and nationality The situation of integration in Catalonia: dimensions and indicators Integration in employment areas Integration in the economic areas Integration in the family areas Integration in political areas Integration in culture and leisure areas Integration in the media areas Integration in educational areas Other areas and relevant non-available data Experiencies and perceptions affecting immigrant groups Language: first step towards integration Language and origin of immigrants Catalan or Spanish? Employment: the spine of integration Much flexibility and much activity Crisis, unemployment and collapse of employment integration Social network: relations for integration Incorporation in a closed society Factors in favour or against integration Association and participation as an instrument of support of integration.. 92 Security and liberties Administrative integration: the issue of documents Experiences of xenophobia and discrimination Integration as an exchange and process of mutual acceptance

10 Report on the integration of immigrants in Catalonia 5. Immigration policies in Catalonia Introduction: origins of the immigration policies in Catalonia and Spain Immigration policies of the Catalan Government Why? Reasoning and objectives of the immigration policies What? Contents of immigration policies How? Management of the immigration policies Local public policy for migrant integration Why local policies for immigration What local immigration policies Local immigration policies: how Conclusions ) Catalonia is and will be an area of immigrant reception ) Non-hegemonic territorial distribution of immigrants in Catalonia ) Catalonia welcomes immigrants despite deficits in integration ) Multi-dimensional integration ) Integration as a subjective phenomenon ) Key factors in favour of integration: language, employment and social networks ) Social networks and associations as a way of integration ) Catalan social institutions in the face of immigration challenges ) Knowledge of reality and evaluation of immigration policies ) Impact of the crisis in the process of integration Bibliography Index for graphics and maps Graphic 1. Foreign population in Catalonia in 2012, determined by country of origin and gender Graphic 2. Foreign population in Catalonia in 2012 under the age of 15, according to gender Graphic 3. Foreign population in Catalonia in 2012 between the ages of 16-65, according to gender Map 1. Foreign population in Catalan counties Map 2. Foreign majorities in Catalan counties Graphic 4. Gross salary and country of origin Graphic 5. Assistance requests relating to economic resources, and determined by country of origin Graphic 6. Assistance requests relating to illness, and determined by country of origin Graphic 7. Assistance requests relating to employment, and determined by country of origin Graphic 8. Ideological framework, and determined by country of origin

11 Summary Graphic 9. Ties and sentiments towards Spain/Catalonia, determined by country of origin Graphic 10. Maternal and identity languages, determined by country of origin Graphic 11. Prevailing language, by origin between 2008 and Graphic 12. Language customs of foreign population, between 2008 and Graphic 13. Number of books read in the last year, divided by country of origin Graphic 14. Number of books read in the last year, divided by country of origin Graphic 15. Predominant language in music of preference, divided by country of origin Graphic 16. Attendance at events and exhibitions in the last 12 months, determined by language of the event and country of origin Graphic 17. Capacity to connect to the internet in the previous month, determined by country of origin Graphic 18. Schooling rate for infants in the first educational cycle, determined by country of origin Graphic 19. Schooling during the first cycle, determined by centre of appointment and country of origin Graphic 20. Weight of origins with respect to the total amount of foreigners schooled in primary education, between 2000 and Graphic 21. Schooling at the second educational cycle for infants, determined by centre of appointment and country of origin Graphic 22. Weight of the different origins with respect to the total amount of foreigners schooled in the Obligatory Secondary Education, between 2000 and Graphic 23. Students with a certificate in Obligatory Secondary Education, determined by country of origin Index of tables Table 1. Foreign population in Catalonia Table 2. Foreign population in Catalonia , determined by country of origin Table 3. Net migration , determined by country of origin Table 4. Acquisition of nationality, determined by country of origin Table 5. Occupational rate, local and foreign Table 6. Unemployment rate, according to country of origin Table 7. Permission to work Table 8. Foreign permissions to work, determined by sector of activity Table 9. Social security affiliations of the total population, determined by sector of activity Table 10. Foreign affiliations with social security Table 11. Percentage of the different origins with respect to the total amount of foreigners affiliated with social security Table 12. Foreign affiliations with social security, determined by gender Table 13. Contracts of foreign workers, determined by professional category

12 Report on the integration of immigrants in Catalonia Table 14. Percentage of unemployment benefits for foreigners with respect to the total subsidies Table 15. Unemployment benefits for foreigners, determined by type of subsidy Table 16. Unemployment benefits for locals, determined by type of subsidy Table 17. Gross annual salary, determined by country of origin and gender Table 18. Monthly income, determined by country of origin Table 19. Regime for estate possession, determined by country of origin Table 20. Marriage, according to country of origin of the parties Table 21. Nativity, according to country of origin of parents Table 22. Interest in Spanish politics, according to country of origin Table 23. Interest in Catalan politics, according to country of origin Table 24. Satisfaction with the functioning of the democracy, according to country of origin Table 25. Sympathy towards political parties, according to country of origin Table 26. Most important election, according to country of origin Table 27. What should Catalonia be?, according to country of origin Table 28. How would you vote in a hypothetical referendum for the independence of Catalonia, determined by country of origin Table 29. Religious identity, according to country of origin Table 30. Level of religious practise, according to country of origin Table 31. Language customs: home and friends, according to country of origin Table 32. Language customs: work and neighbours, according to country of origin Table 33. Knowledge of Catalan and Castilian, according to country of origin Table 34. Knowledge of Catalan and Castilian among foreign population, according to length of residency Table 35. Language used in last book, according to country of origin Table 36. Language used in last book, according to length of residency Table 37. Assistance to the cinema during the last three months, according to country of origin Table 38. Frequency of music listening in the last three months, according to country of origin Table 39. Predominant language in music Table 40. Percentages of assistance to concerts, events and exhibitions in the last 12 months, determined by country of origin Table 41. Attendance at events and exhibitions in the last 12 months, determined by cost-free services and country of origin Table 42. Prevailing written press, according to origin Table 43. Prevailing radio station, according to country of origin Table 44. Prevailing TV channel, according to country of origin Table 45. Languages in TV seen the previous day, according to country of origin Table 46. Devices for access to the internet at home, according to country of origin Table 47. Language preference in the internet, according to country of origin Table 48. Pupils at the first educational cycle (0-3) in the term of 2011 to 2012, according to country of origin

13 Summary Table 49. Pupils in primary education between 2000 and 2010, according to country of origin Table 50. Schooling at the secondary educational cycle, determined by appointment centre and country of origin Table 51. Pupils in primary education between 2000 and 2010, according to country of origin Table 52. Pupils at OSE, determined by appointment centre and country of origin Table 53. Pupils at the high school and CFGS levels between Table 54. Weight of the different origins with respect to the total amount of foreigners schooled at the high school and CFGS levels in the term of 2011 to Table 55. Alumni of the professional educational programs, according to country of origin Table 56. Alumni in special education centres, according to country of origin Table 57. Education among adults, according to country of origin Table 58. Foreign students at the high school and CFGS levels in the term, according to country of origin Table 59. Sample of persons interviewed Table 60. Associations of the persons interviewed Table 61. Policy for foreigners and migrants Table 62. Plan for Citizens and Immigration Table 63. Instruments and strategies for management of policies Table 64. Management of migratory flow Table 65. Reception policies Table 66. Equality policies Table 67. Accommodation policies Table 68. PCI Resources (in thousands of ) Table 69. Plan of action for 2009: executed budget Table 70. Budget for collaboration contracts of the State with Catalonia Table 71. Financial contracts with entities Table 72. Financial support to local entities Table 73. Town halls objectives on the subject of immigration (2008) Table 74. Town halls effecting policies for immigration (2008) Table 75. Year of approval of the first immigration plan Table 76. Actions in the area of reception (2008) Table 77. Actions in the area of equality and integration (2008) Table 78. Actions in the area of reception (2008) Table 79. Matters related to management of OTA migrants (2008) Table 80. Governmental agencies support for town halls (2008) Table 81. Non-governmental agencies with relations to town halls (2008)

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15 1 Introduction The present report is the result of a request of the General Directorate for Immigration of the Department of Family and Social Welfare of the Government of Catalonia, a request with the objective of providing enforcement of the Law for the reception of migrants and returning persons into Catalonia. The report s contents are structured in three sections that bring into account the migration issues in Catalonia, with the objective of offering an approach to integration and reception of foreign populations. Firstly, data has been collected and analysed for a dual purpose: to offer a panoramic view of the current state of immigration in Catalonia, and to value the evaluation of factors, that in our opinion, will provide an explanation of the reception and integration within our society. As such, migration is blueprinted by socioeconomic factors that are reflected in the demographic pyramid of age and the structure of the Catalan labour market, which are manifested in the analysed data. Therefore, this report is important because of the aspects related to employment and the economy, brought together with the numbers and characteristics of foreign population in the Catalan labour market, and thus with the local population. Nevertheless, this relationship between migration and the labour market has decreased in accordance with the length of residency, as well as for initiatives for family reunification. As a result, the approach of this report has been expanded to deal with immigration in the areas of family, politics, culture, education and access to information. Through the selection of the main sources of public statistics and data, we aim to develop a complete image of the foreign population characteristics in all such areas, with the purpose of establishing a corresponding comparison between the local populations, and thus common areas and trends with respect thereto. All in all, the statistical approach to the migration phenomenon serves to widen the general knowledge of the conditions that determine the life of migrants, which has been facilitated by the statements and interviews of their experiences provided for in this study. As such, the second section of the study is divided into three central aspects of integration: language, employment and social networks. These three elements may be considered the backbone of the process for incorporation in the receiving society; a process that may likewise be promoted or impeded by social and political participation, security, 15

16 Report on the integration of immigrants in Catalonia standardisation of administrative situation and experiences of discrimination. We have taken into account all such issues in the statement of the forty interviews carried out for this study. Thirdly, the report focuses on the analysis of the public policy framework that relates to migration. This analysis also takes into consideration the immigration policies that, as we will see, overcome the classic standards set in immigration of first generation. Local and autonomic administrations are central in this report in order to stress their objectives, the content of their policies, and the actors in charge of effecting said policies. Without a doubt, migration has been usually dealt with as multilateral phenomenon that requires a cross-cutting, coordinated effort in order to provide an adequate response to its demands, and inter alia the integration of migrants in the receiving country. As a result, this report is a panoramic exposition of the current situation of migration in Catalonia, which has been carried out in accordance with what is set forth in the Law of Reception, with the purpose of identifying present challenges and desirable solutions. For this reason, the report is expected to foster annual feedback that will serve to identify developments, perceptions and actions involving migration. And because this is the first report submitted, it will cover not only the previous year ( ) but also the previous decade, a period in which the Catalan society was greatly influenced by an intense migration phenomenon, and thus a profound transformation into a much more diverse, enriched and complex society. It is therefore essential to have knowledge of this entire period in order to provide an adequate management for migration issues. For this is the overall objective of the present report. 16

17 2 A panoramic view on migration reality: immigration by the numbers The statistical approach to the migration phenomenon will facilitate both the general study and the reality of the migrants living in Catalonia. Our intention is to achieve such a purpose through the consideration of diverse areas healthcare, education, employment, etc. and provide an insight that will allow the creation of a collective image of the conditions of the life of migrants. As opposed to the qualitative approach (chapter 4), the quantitative analysis does not allow for the accounting of profound particularities and individual specificities; however, it does facilitate an interesting explanation in order to deal with the differences between the local and foreign communities, as well as the different groups by country of origin. Numerous data produced by different agencies is carried out to understand the migration reality and its characteristics. Nevertheless, this existing data is not the objective of this report but rather to introduce a draft of the issue that helps to understand, on the one hand, the status of immigration and, on the other, the distance or proximity with respect to local populations. In accordance with this objective, we have selected the data that will provide an understanding of immigration in Catalonia, as well as rejecting the common use of statistics and avoiding the juxtaposition of non-connected data. A second objective of this report is to identify the existing statistic gaps that we consider necessary for comprehending the reality of migration in Catalonia. These gaps are caused by two factors: on the one hand the practise of statistics at a state level with nonsignificant foreign population at an autonomic level, and on the other hand, the lack of research that deals with indicators of special impact and interest for the migrant population. We will be highlighting in this chapter the detected lacunae in data availability, which would be of great help to improve the comprehension of migration to Catalonia. We will also make a final remark on the ways in which to fill such lacunae. Finally, and despite the fact that this report aims to deal in detail with the current status of immigration to Catalonia, we will set as a point of reference the years 2010, 2011 and 2012, which provide us with the opportunity to comment on the evolution of these figures since the start of the 21st century. As such, we will be dealing with a historical perspective of the data that facilitates the understanding of the evolution and context of the migrant population during the last decade. 17

18 Report on the integration of immigrants in Catalonia 2.1. Immigration in Catalonia: a general approach This first section aims to be an essential description that underlines the evolution of foreign population in Catalonia since the year Table 1. Foreign population in Catalonia Year Total Population Foreigners N N % , , , , , , , , , , , , ,6 Source: Idescat. Census of Inhabitants. In the first 12 years of the 21st century, Catalonia has increased to more than a million inhabitants, and most of this increase is explained through the arrival of foreign population. As is reflected in table 1, between the years 2000 to 2012, the reported increase of migrants rose from 2,9% to 15,6%, which further serves to indicate the importance of migration in the social, economic and political areas in Catalonia. It should be noted, however, that this increasing trend has been slowing down since 2010, with a 16% of foreign population: a percentage very similar to the one of the previous year (15,9%) and that has been reducing until the current 15,6%, although in a much slower pace than the one noted during the increase from If we take into account the constant birth rates, we may relate this decrease to the reduction of foreign arrival from outside Spain, residential mobility within autonomous communities, and return to countries of origin and processes for acquisition of nationality. 1 We will return to these matters at a later stage of this study. A more in-depth analysis of the factors of foreign population assist us in the heterogenic understanding of the different origins of the residents in Catalonia, along with the evolution of the majority groups in the last years (table 2). In the year 2000 the African population represented 42% of the total of foreign persons, and despite having multiplied by four the number of African persons registered in local census, it has since been reduced to a 27,2% with respect to the total of other origins. An inverted process may be 1. The distinction between locals and foreigners is established in the local census, which is established according to nationality and not country of birth. 18

19 A panoramic view on migration reality: immigration by the numbers Year Table 2. Foreign population in Catalonia , determined by country of origin Rest of the EU Rest of Europe Africa North and Central America South America Asia and Oceania N % N % N % N % N % N % , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,0 Source: Idescat. Census of Inhabitants. noted by the Latin-American persons: in the year 2000 they comprised 14,8% of the total foreigners, while in the year 2012, they were almost 24%, and an increase by ten times the number of the Latin-Americans registered in the Catalan census. Asian and Oceania groups have also increased their presence, increasing from 14,376 inhabitants (7,9%) to 117,344 (9,9%). The rest of origins have experienced much less pronounced increases. Nevertheless, it is necessary to note as well the European origin, which, since the year 2000, has represented approximately a quarter of the total foreigners in Catalonia. With regard to the Rest of the EU and the Rest of Europe, we observed an inverted correlation between both groups, which is the result of the increase of the European Union from 15 member states to 27 in the year 2006, specially for the modification of the status of Romania within the Union. We would like to emphasize that, despite the global data s indication of a slow-down in immigration, we must not lose sight of the fact that this is the result of the difference between the arrival of new residents and the departure of the previous ones. Consequently, and despite being a negative number for the migration rate, we must bear in mind that immigration from all countries continues to keep place, as reflected in table 3. For instance, in the year 2010, while 76,330 citizens of the European Union left Catalonia, another 31,249 arrived in the nation. Similarly, for those coming from Africa, while 29,172 were opting for a living outside of Catalonia, another 22,365 arrived in the country. Identical trends may be also appreciated for the rest of origins. As a result, migration has decreased in the last years through less intense immigration flows, yet even with negative rates of immigration, this fact should not be interpreted as non-arrival of new population to Catalonia. 19

20 Report on the integration of immigrants in Catalonia Table 3. Net migration , determined by country of origin Immigration EU Rest of Europe Africa Emigration Balance Immigration Emigration Balance Immigration Emigration Balance Immigration America Asia Oceania Emigration Balance Immigration Emigration Balance Immigration Emigration Balance Total Immigration Emigration Balance Source: National Institute of Statistics. Population movements. Observing the data of the year 2012 according to age shows a clear relation between the age pyramid with the structure of the Catalan labour market. Taking as a reference the distribution of age of the Spanish population, graphic 1 illustrates how the age range between 30 and 45 years comprises a clear majority of the foreign population, followed by the group between 16 and 30 years. As such, the young population in the age of professional activity is overrepresented at all origins, whereas we may observe an underrepresented 20

21 A panoramic view on migration reality: immigration by the numbers Graphic 1. Population in Catalonia in 2012, determined by country of origin and gender Spanish Rest of the EU Rest of Europe Africa North and Central America South America Asia and Oceania < > 65 Source: Prepared for this study taking into reference Idescat. Census of Inhabitants. Graphic 2. Population in Catalonia in 2012, under the age of 15 and according to gender Spanish Rest of the EU Rest of Europe Africa North and Central America South America Asia and Oceania Men Women Source: Prepared for this study taking into reference Idescat. Census of Inhabitants. 21

22 Report on the integration of immigrants in Catalonia population at the older ages (between 45 and 65 years and especially above 65). With regard to the population under 15 years old, the differences are minor with respect to local population. Introducing the gender variable in the analysis manifests clear and distinctive trends determined by origin in the age ranges between 16 and 45 years (that we commented and related to the necessities of the labour market). The range between 16 and 45 is feminized in the case of the Rest of Europe and America (both Latin and North America) and masculinised within the Africa, Asia and Oceania populations, as shown in graphic 3. Conversely, in the case of minors under 15 years old, similar percentages are provided to those of women and men for all countries of origin (with a minor unbalance in favour of men in the case of the Asia and Oceania group). Graphic 3. Population in Catalonia in 2012 between 16-65, according to gender Spanish Rest of the EU Rest of Europe Africa North and Central America South America Asia and Oceania Men Women Source: Prepared for this study taking into reference Idescat. Census of Inhabitants Distribution of territorial immigration As has been mentioned above, 15,7% of the Catalan population did not hold Spanish nationality in the year However, the distribution of foreign population in the territory is not homogenic, as shows Map 1. The Ripollès county is the one with lower percentage of foreign population (8,6%), followed at distance by Alt Empordà, which has a 27,7% of foreign population. There are eight counties with more than a 20% of foreign population, fifteen counties that rank between 15% and 20% and fifteen between a 10% and 15%. Only three counties (Ripollès, Berguedà and Anoia) introduce figures lower than 10%. Differences are not, however, limited to percentage of foreign population that every county received, but also to the particularities of each group according to origin. Map 2 shows a simplified image of such differences while underlining the origin of the majority groups. We may appreciate that seventeen counties have a predominant origin in the 22

23 A panoramic view on migration reality: immigration by the numbers Map 1. Foreign population in Catalan counties Source: Prepared for this study taking into reference Idescat. Census of Inhabitants Map 2. Foreign majorities in Catalan counties Source: Prepared for this study taking into reference Idescat. Census of Inhabitants

24 Report on the integration of immigrants in Catalonia European Union, especially countries in Eastern Europe, while sixteen have a more frequent origin within Africa, especially the Maghreb region. On the other hand, the group of Latin Americans is predominant in only four counties, three of which are the most populated areas in Catalonia (Vallès Occidental, Baix Llobregat and Barcelonès), a fact that explains why this group is the most important one in the whole territory. Finally, we should highlight the existence of three counties (Baix Camp, Segarra and Berguedà), where we may observe the existence of two large groups (African and European), and a last county La Garrotxa, which is shared by different groups predominantly from Africa and Asia (the latter being mostly from India and Pakistan) An end note: country of origin and nationality Finally, we should note that much of the data reviewed on this report is related to the nationality and not to the country of birth; therefore, it is convenient to deal with the increase, although superficially, of the requests for acquisition of Spanish nationality among foreign residents. Two variables influence this process: on the one hand, the length of residency, as this is the main gateway to nationality; and on the other hand, the country of origin, since the law for foreigners sets terms of minimum residency, which differ depending on the country of origin of each foreigner. As such, in generic terms the application to request Spanish nationality starts after 10 years of residency, although it may be realized after 2 years for nationals with origin in Latin America, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or persons with a Sephardic origin; 5 years for refugees; and 1 year for those born in Spain from foreign parents (with some minor exceptions established by law). Under this system, we have observed that, despite the fact that persons of African origin have represented the largest group of foreigners in Catalonia during the beginning of the 21st century, the persons who have requested the most applications for nationality are from Latin America. Nevertheless, setting aside the weight given to each nationality with respect to the total, we have observed a constant increase of acquisition of nationality in general, a fact explained largely by higher birth-rates and longer residency periods of persons who have become eligible for this application. Table 4. Acquisition of nationality, determined by country of origin Total Spain European Union Rest of Europe Africa North America Central and South America Asia Oceania Source: Ministry of Employment and Social Security. 24

25 3 The situation of integration in Catalonia: dimensions and indicators In this section we will deal with the data that will produce a sketch of the migration phenomenon from different perspectives, and establish when appropriate a comparison with the local population. To this end, we will organise our statistical information into seven areas: employment, economic, family, politics, culture, media and education. As we previously noted, the objective is not to provide an in-depth analysis but rather an approach to those aspects that are worth considering in the migrant population in Catalonia Integration in employment areas The traditional ties of migrants to the necessities of the labour market have produced a more exhaustive data-collection process that springs from a great number of sources on this matter. Here we would like to consider only those indicators that may facilitate the comprehension of the labour characteristics and their evolution within foreign populations in the last decade. We start our approach to the employment area by observing the employment and unemployment rates among foreign populations since the year 2005 until the year 2011, and with due comparison with the local population. The employment rate (percentage of employed with respect to the population between the ages of 16 and 64) shows that, in the year 2005, the percentage was 10 points higher with foreigners. This is an expected figure, since foreign populations at the start 2000 came with the clear purpose of employment, and most of the time without dependent family members. Furthermore, a majority of these populations had started the process of family regrouping. An increase in the employment rate for both nationals and foreigners was observed between 2005 and 2007, followed by a reduction thereof in subsequent years. Such a reduction was likely caused by the economic crisis (as we will commented on at a later stage); however, we should be weary of this conclusion given that, in foreign groups, this aspect could also have been derived from a number of factors, including the reunification of families, the arrival of new young members falling within the age of study, who continued to pursue educational opportunities at the post obligatory stages (i.e. over the age of 16), or cases such as spouses in family regrouping situations who lacked working permits. 25

26 Report on the integration of immigrants in Catalonia Table 5. Occupational rate, locals and foreigners Locals Foreigners European Union Non-European Union ,0 65,1 66,4 64, ,5 68,6 61,6 69, ,9 67,3 67,5 67, ,2 64,6 68,4 63, ,1 54,4 63,6 52, ,3 53,8 60,9 51, ,7 51,8 59,5 49,7 Source: Prepared for this study taking into reference Ministry of Employment and Immigration. The data relating to foreigners divided into citizens of member states of the European Union and the non-members thereof demonstrates the important differences between these two groups, differences that are more pronounced since 2007 because of the increase of unemployment, which has had a greater impact on non-eu foreigners. Table 6. Unemployment rate, according to country of origin Locals Foreigners European Union Non European Union ,9 13,3 5,2 14, ,5 12,1 9,0 12, ,4 11,7 8,1 12, ,3 16,3 9,8 17, ,2 29,0 21,4 31, ,8 30,3 21,3 33, ,8 34,3 22,8 37,4 Source: Prepared for this study taking into reference Ministry of Employment and Immigration. Table 6 shows the unemployment rate (relation between the unemployed and workforce) of foreigners and locals. The unemployment rate is much higher within the foreign population since the year 2005, and especially since the year From an unemployment rate of 13,3% among foreigners in the year 2005 (and 5,9% among locals) we may observe a slight decrease during the following two years, establishing a 11,7% and a 5,4% rate of unemployment, respectively. Since the year 2008 the unemployment rate rose, affecting 16% of the local population in the year 2011 and 34,3% among foreigners. The differences between the citizens of the European Union and other European countries are also remarkable, increasing 10 percentage points during all relevant time periods. The existence of an expanding labour market in need of workers especially qualified professionals is one of the main factors that explain the arrival of foreign populations during the first decade of this century. An important part of this immigration, which is most of the time coming from outside the European Union, requires a working permit 26

27 The situation of integration in Catalonia: dimensions and indicators that provides the legal residency in Spanish territory. Table 7 details the evolution of these permits for foreigners from the year 2000 until Conversely to the global data on immigration, the evolution of this segment is neither progressive nor constant, and this finds its explanation in the administrative and political issues that involve the process of expediting working permits. At first glance, the evidence demonstrates a continuing increase between the year 2000 and 2007, followed by a decrease corresponding to the first years of the economic crisis and concomitant job destruction. Nevertheless, we may also observe increases that demand due attention in 2004 and As has been previously discussed, the granting of working permits does not depend uniquely on the number of applications, but also on the criteria and pace of the public administration. In the year 2004, a higher budget was invested in the resolution of applications for working permits, a fact that also made possible the resolution of pending requests until that year. Thus, biannual renewals also explain the numbers for 2006 and 2008 that appear to be contrary to the tendency of decreasing working permits; however, we should note that these are essentially renewals and not new applications. 2 We did not find available data to break down this phenomenon within the countries of origin, despite the interest that would produce in comparing such data and the particularities of each country of origin. Table 7. Permission to work Total Independent contractors Self-employment Women , , , , , , , , , , , ,6 Source: Prepared for this study taking into reference Ministry of Employment and Immigration. Table 7 also shows an important increase in the presence of women in the applications for a working permit. This group, which constitutes 32,7% in the year 2000, has expanded to about half in the year The impact of unemployment among males (essentially from the construction sector) has brought about a reduction in working permits for foreign males and greater demand for females. On the other hand, data shows that 98% of the working permits granted to foreigners have been directed to independent contractors, as the number of self-employed is lower 2. For more information at a State level: Informe anual sobre la situación de la integración social de los inmigrantes y refugiados en Ministerio de Trabajo e Inmigración. 27

28 Report on the integration of immigrants in Catalonia than 2% for all the group, and furthermore reduced by a 0,7% in the last two years. This data is especially noteworthy when compared to the salary rate of the total population (local and foreign), with 83,3% in the year 2012 (after being stable at 82,5% for the first decade of the century). 3 The analysis of the requests in light of the sector of activity (table 8) illustrates how the service sector has concentrated virtually half of the total of the granted requests between 2000 and 2010, leading to a 72% in the year These results are explained mainly by the reduction of requests in the area of construction, which ranks second. The construction sector, from concentrating 20% of the requests in 2006 and 2007, decreases to 9% in The weight of the agricultural and industrial sectors also decreased among foreigners, despite their differences. The agricultural sector had maintained between 4% and 8% with constant fluctuations, while the industrial sector suffered an important reduction from the year 2003 (15%) until the present (5%). Table 8. Foreign permissions to work, determined by sector of activity Total (N) Agriculture Industry Construction Services Others Total Source: Prepared for this study taking into reference Ministry of Employment and Immigration. This data is in contrast with the date that is illustrated in the following tables and in consideration of the total population. The affiliations with social security detail the predominance of the service sector, which consists of 60% to 75% of the total affiliations. The second sector of activity is industry, which is a marginal sector when it comes to employment of migrants. The agricultural sector is also marginal, both for the granting of working permits and for affiliations in social security, even though at times the data with respect thereto presents higher percentages. As such, we may conclude that the granting of working permits is overrepresented in the construction sector, which is distantly followed by agriculture, while the industrial sector has been less resistant to new migrant labour. 3. The source of this data are the Idescat s workforce indicators. 28

29 The situation of integration in Catalonia: dimensions and indicators Table 9. Social security affiliations of the total population, determined by sector of activity Total 1 (N) Agriculture Industry Construction Services Others Total ,5 0,4 26,7 9,2 63,7 0, ,4 0,4 25,6 9,2 64,8 0, ,6 0,4 24,6 9,4 65,5 0, ,5 0,4 23,7 9,5 66,3 0, ,6 0,4 22,7 9,4 67,5 0, ,7 0,5 21,2 10,1 68,2 0, ,9 0,5 20,2 10,5 68,9 0, ,8 0,5 19,9 10,0 69,6 0, ,6 0,3 19,4 8,6 71,6 0, ,8 0,3 18,2 7,5 73,4 0, ,1 0,3 17,7 6,7 74,4 0, ,0 0,3 17,7 5,5 75,3 1, Number in thousands of affiliations. Source: Ministry of Employment and Social Security (Idescat). Focusing on foreign affiliations to the social security, we may observe a notable growth between the years 2001 and 2007, years when the numbers are multiplied by nearly a factor of four: from 4,5% to almost 13%. From the year 2007 until the present, there has been an increased reduction of the number of foreign affiliations with the social security (a decrease of 30,000 affiliations), despite showing an increase of the percentage of these with respect to the total affiliations, which is explained by a more pronounced fall of affiliations in the local population. Table 10. Foreign affiliations with social security Total affiliations Foreign affiliations Percentage of foreigners , , , , , , , , , ,5 Source: Ministry of Employment and Social Security. 29