Immigration dilatation

Mar 31, 2008
Monika Hanley in cooperation with BNS

Photo: Mikkel Grønkjær

With immigration and migration being in the forefront of the European agenda these days, the Baltic nations have started taking matters into their own hands, with varying results.

In Lithuania, a recent study shows hostility towards immigration, while in Estonia, the interior minister has called for stricter migration policy, allowing for immigration of qualified labor.

"We should not inhibit their motivation, and researchers and specialists whose knowledge and skills are of value to us will be very welcome in Estonia," Pihl said.

In Pihl’s view, based on the fact that non-Estonians make up around one-third of Estonia's population, any continued immigration is dangerous.

"Massive influx of cheap labor posing a threat to both our economy and our security can definitely not be permitted. Our choice is qualified labor. But, regarding foreign labor, the state cannot dictate to the private sector what they must do," the minister said.

According to Pihl, the new amendments to the aliens' law were to support the use of qualified labor and prevent overflowing masses of cheap labor.

"The immigration quota helps control the number of foreigners who come to live and work here. The permit processing procedure helps guard the security of the society and ensures that a person can be trusted and that his knowledge and skills benefit our labor market and economy," Pihl said.

The most fundamental change in Estonia's migration policy is the introduction of a pay level criterion for workers from third countries, the minister said.

In Lithuania, a study conducted by the EthnicResearchCenter under the Institute for Social Research showed that 56 percent acknowledge that incoming workers from foreign countries to Lithuania are important for the country's economy, however almost half of Lithuanians 47 percent simultaneously maintain that there are enough of immigrants in the country, and no more inflow should be permitted.

62 percent of the polled are also fearful of potential social unrest to be caused by incoming work migrants.  

However, most of the country's inhabitants have no preconceived discriminatory bias. Some 80 percent of respondents agreed that both Lithuanians and foreign citizens must have the same rights in the Lithuanian labor market.

The study also pointed out that the integration of immigrants is presently not included in the country's political agenda. No specific measures for integration, other than "following successful practice of EU nations", have been set at this point.