Belgians want criminal immigrants deported

20 September 2006

BRUSSELS — Almost three-quarters of Belgians believe immigrants who commit serious crimes should be deported, new research has indicated.

That percentage is in even higher In the Netherlands (76.6 percent), the UK (78.2) and Germany (90.2), newspaper ‘De Standaard’ reported on Wednesday.

Deporting migrants if they commit any crime, even a minor one, can rely on 39.7 to 48.2 percent support. Belgium scores 43.8 percent on this point.

The figures are included in a new book called ‘Multiculturalism Analysed’ from the Catholic University of Leuven.

The study revealed that just 46 percent of Belgians have friends who are immigrants.

The same picture can be found in the workplace, where 51.1 percent of Belgians have no colleague workers who are immigrants.

Some 63 percent said they live in districts where only native Belgians live. And if they do move, Belgians primarily want to live in an area where there are no immigrants.

Belgians also think that the actions of an immigrant must determine whether they are allowed to stay. Immigrants should also adjust to Belgian culture.

British and UK nationals are in favour of a strict, but fair immigration policy and do not want to accept too many immigrants. However, those that do must be given full rights.

The study also indicated that neither Belgium nor the other three countries see immigration as an economic threat.

However, immigration is more often seen as a threat to the social security system and for the situation of the disadvantaged communities.

Subject: Belgian news