Dutch positive about immigration but want controls on more

The Dutch are among the most positive Europeans about the effect of immigration, with 67% agreeing that the arrival of people from outside the EU enriches the Netherlands, according to a new report.


Only Sweden and Luxembourg are more positive about the positive effect of immigration on their culture and economy, new research from the European Commission showed on Friday.
In addition, 85% of the Dutch think people from non-EU countries should have the same rights as Dutch nationals, a figure which is second only to Sweden. The EU average is 68%.
Information
However, only 48% of the Dutch believe immigrants don’t integrate because they face discrimination, one of the lowest figures in the 27-member state survey. By contrast, 80% of Swedes believe discrimination is a factor.
At the same time, the Dutch are among the least likely to think the debate about immigration is based on accurate information.
The research also shows 54% of the Dutch are not in favour of encouraging non-EU immigration to fill gaps in the jobs market and 52% don’t think it should be made easier for non-EU citizens to travel to the Netherlands for business or leisure. Only Luxembourg has more people against easing controls on visits and most EU countries want fewer rules.
Around 4% of the total EU population of over 500 million comes from outside the EU, the survey shows.
Download the Eurobarometer report Awareness of Home Affairs

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