News

Immigration: a challenge for Scottish churches

February 27, 2007

By Dr Nelu Balaj, Racial Justice Officer

This article features in the Winter-Spring 2007 edition of the ACTS news-sheet, Together           

Over the past few years the number of immigrants coming to Scotland has increased substantially. Most of those immigrants come from countries which recently joined the European Union. The impact of immigrants is already felt in every part of Scotland and in all sectors of life in our society. Overall there is agreement that Scotland as a whole has benefited greatly from this wave of immigrants. They have filled gaps in areas such as the Highlands where there is a reported under population and a shortage of skilled workers.

The majority of new immigrants in Scotland are working in food manufacturing, in agriculture and the health sectors. (A recent study in the Highlands has revealed that 69% of the nationals from the new EU accession countries are employed in hospitality, agriculture and food processing. Migrant workers in the Highlands and Islands: Research Report, October 2005. It is estimated that 1% of the total work force in the health, hospitality and manufacturing services, and 5% in the agriculture and fishing sectors are from the new EU accession countries). It is understood that most of these migrant workers move to the rural areas rather than traditional migration centres.

The migrants’ experiences and difficulties are varied. In terms of employment many of them have limited understanding of employment law in this country, and as a result might not be aware of their rights and entitlements.  Most are employed in semi-skilled or unskilled work, often in jobs below their qualifications and experience. As a result their income is relatively low.

Migrants also face difficulties outside work. Some report a hostile reaction from members of the local community because they are seen as taking their jobs away or suppress wages for local people. Some report experiencing racist abuse and in few cases even violence.  Language problems, cultural differences as well as unfamiliarity with the system, mean many of the immigrants are finding it difficult to access information about services such as health and education. In many rural areas though, due to reduced capacity, the local authorities are unable to meet some of the needs of the immigrant population. Therefore help offered by local voluntary organisations and churches is vital.

What do the churches do?

There are many instances where churches have been actively seeking to help the immigrants in practical ways. Some churches have asked assistance from sister churches in the countries of origin of migrants living in the area they serve.

Many recognise the value of the work and support churches offer but there is still more churches could do to help with immigration in their local area. It is often the case that churches know their local area better than anyone else. As a result they might be in the best position to inform the community about the immigrant population in the area.

A considerable number of immigrants are coming from a church related background in their own country and would love to attend and be involved in our local churches. Unfortunately this is often impossible because churches are ill prepared to make the migrant community feel welcome, and sometimes our obsession with the ‘status quo’ might turn them away from our church doors. Nevertheless, it is now accepted that migrants are making a positive impact on the church in Scotland.