Turkish and Chinese immigration to the Netherlands : corridor report

Abstract

This report compares two quite different corridor migrations to the Netherlands. Turkish immigration is larger and more recent than Chinese immigration, which goes back to the beginning of the 20th century. The report aims to better understand the variation in several dimensions of Turkish and Chinese immigrants’ integration – in particular, the labour market, education and citizenship. It is based on an original methodology combining different data sources (the existing literature, an analysis of the legal and political frameworks, a quantitative analysis, and a survey). It aims to test the INTERACT project’s main hypothesis which conceives of integration as a three-way process. This report provides insight on the integration policy developed in the Netherlands (ethnic minorities policies) and links it to Turkish and Chinese diaspora policies. It tries to shed light on the impact that Turkey and China may have on the integration of their diasporas in the Netherlands. The main findings are the following: firstly, the countries of origin are concerned about their migrants abroad and develop policies accordingly. Secondly, Turkish and Chinese migrants’ integration in the Netherlands present different characteristics and the interaction between the Dutch integration policy and their respective diaspora policies is a complex one. Thirdly, the impact that Turkey and China have on integration is different with regard to the different dimensions of integration. And finally, non-state actors based in the countries of origin may also have a significant impact on migrants’ integration.