Dutch more positive about immigrants

The most recent quarterly survey conducted by the Social Cultural Planning Office (SCP) has revealed that Dutch people are becoming more positive about the immigrants that have come to live here. Only 35 percent now think the Netherlands would be a better place if there were fewer immigrants. At the end of last year that figure was 41 percent.

The survey also shows that more and more people say the presence of different cultures is actually an asset to the country. This figure has climbed from 36 percent, at the end of last year, to 44 percent in the first quarter of 2009. In addition, fewer people are critical of the integration process. In recent months, the planning office’s researchers noted that Dutch people are reacting more mildly to the issue of immigration on the whole.

When it comes to the economy, the same SCP survey shows people are just as pessimistic now about the situation as they were at the end of last year, with 65 percent believing the outlook is gloomy.

The SCP research indicates that people with lower educational qualifications are aware that they are more vulnerable in times of economic malaise. People with higher qualifications are more optimistic.

Remarkably few of the people questioned for the survey were aware of the Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis’ prediction that the Dutch economy will shrink by 3.5 percent this year.

Source: Radio Netherlands, 27 April 2009