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New report on migration in Northern Ireland - Changing Patterns and Future Planning - 1st June
In June 2004 ICR published a report entitled Migrant Workers in Northern Ireland, the result of a research study commissioned for the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. Since that time there has been greater awareness about the growing numbers of migrant workers coming to Northern Ireland, the changing dynamics of patterns of migration, of the local demand that is attracting migrants and of the need to improve information, advice, support and services for people moving to Northern Ireland to take up employment.
This new report looks at:
- Migrant populations
- National Insurance numbers
- A8 Worker Registrations Scheme
- UK comparisons on A8 migrants
- Areas of employment
- Undocumented workers
- Legislative control
- Policy Development
Migration patterns to Northern Ireland have changed considerably over recent years and this is leading to significant changes both to the size and the ethnic/national background of the overall minority population. The currently available evidence suggests that the patterns of migration are distinctive in relation to the UK as a whole, with larger numbers of Eastern European migrants moving to Northern Ireland and larger than expected numbers of migrants in the manufacturing, food processing and construction sectors.
The current focus of attention has been on issues of discrimination, service provision, information and advice for migrants. There has been little overall policy development to address the prominence of migration as a factor in the current and future economic development of Northern Ireland, while most current responses and initiatives appear to be being developed in isolation and with no sense of a coherent or joined-up approach. This is an issue that will need to be addressed if migration is to continue to be an opportunity for Northern Ireland rather than a problem.
The paper is available in pdf format on the reports section of the website.
Contact: Neil Jarman
Contact Number: 028 9074 2682
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