The integration of refugees in rural areas , Date: 2018.01.26, format: project (finished), area: Authority

The combined qualitative-quantitative research project evaluates the essential factors for successful refugee integration processes in rural areas.

The integration of refugees has so far been mostly considered in the context of urban areas. However, integration processes also play a decisive role in rural areas: Larger numbers of immigrants are likely to be living in rural areas in the future because of the residence obligation (Wohnsitzauflage) which has been part of the Integration Act (Integrationsgesetz). This regulation affects persons entitled to asylum, recognised refugees, and persons with subsidiary protection status. Integration will therefore continue to become more important in these regions.

Because of the different structure and social composition of rural areas compared to metropolitan areas, it can be presumed that the same will also apply to integration processes. Rural areas have particularities that may favour successful integration, such as a high degree of civil society commitment and a more personal social structure, as well as the availability of cheaper housing.

However, there are also particular challenges, for example with regard to infrastructure and mobility options.

In addition to the fundamental differences between urban and rural areas, there is also great heterogeneity between individual rural areas, for example in terms of spatial, economic, social and demographic conditions. This makes it likely that regions also differ in terms of the ability to integrate new immigrants.

The aim of the research project is to identify factors and levers that influence the integration process in rural areas and thus to gain insights into how local integration can succeed. For the selection of suitable locations for the study, a quantitative databased typology of rural areas by the Thünen Institute has been used to cover the diversity of rural areas in Germany.

In order to generate hypotheses regarding the integration of refugees in rural areas, actors in the integration field, managers of small and medium-sized enterprises, and immigrants who entered the respective areas during earlier migration phases (e.g. ethnic German resettlers, guest-workers, persons with asylum background) of six rural areas are interviewed. The survey is carried out in the rural districts of Altmarkkreis-Salzwedel (Saxony-Anhalt), Bernkastel-Wittlich (Rhineland-Palatinate), Hildburghausen (Thuringia), Sigmaringen (Baden-Württemberg), Tirschenreuth (Bavaria) and Vechta (Lower Saxony).

In the subsequent quantitative research phase, data from the Central Register of Foreigners will be evaluated with regard to the spatial distribution of refugees throughout Germany. The project started in January 2017 and was completed in May 2020 with the publication of the research report (see "Downloads").

We will be pleased to answer any questions regarding this project (see contact persons).