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The integration of refugees in rural areas ,
Source: BAMF
93 percent of the area of Germany are classified as "rural areas" according to a typology provided by the Thünen Institute. More than half of the population lived in such areas in 2017. However, when it comes to migration and integration, many think first of urban phenomena. But with the increased influx of refugees in recent years and the residence obligation (Wohnsitzregelung) introduced in 2016, the spatial focus is expanding.
In Research Report 36, the Research Centre of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) examines how the integration of refugees can also succeed in rural areas. What special conditions can be found there that can favour integration, e.g. cheaper housing and closer social contacts? What challenges are also apparent, for example the bus that goes to the nearest town only once a day?
The most important results at a glance
The diversity of rural areas
The analyses initially confirmed that rural districts in Germany differ widely in terms of demography, settlement and infrastructure, economic indicators and social life – and thus also with regard to the conditions for integration. The "strengths" or "weaknesses" of the region in question, for example in terms of the economic structure or the public transport system, have similar effects on newly arrived immigrants as on the population that has been living there for a longer time.
The distribution of refugees varies according to status
The spatial distribution of refugees over Germany as a whole varies according to their residence status. For example, due to the relevant legal regulations, asylum applicants and refugees with temporary suspension of deportation status (Duldung) are concentrated in rural districts (Landkreise) and cities with large reception facilities. The vast majority however have a temporary or permanent protection status, and are more often found in (larger) cities. Refugees who had already been in Germany for a prolonged period of time and had been granted a settlement permit were almost exclusively living in the Western Federal States, including Berlin (97.9 percent) at the end of 2017. All in all, however, it can be seen that rural areas are playing an increasing role as a place where refugees live.
Very different experiences in rural districts with regard to migration history
Whilst the four Western German rural districts considered for the study already had experience with previous immigration movements, the two Eastern German rural districts regarded the increased influx of refugees since 2015 much stronger as a new phenomenon. According to the results of the qualitative interviews, these different experiences in terms of migration history had a variety of effects: for example, how newly arrived immigrants are perceived by the local population, how employers act, or whether relevant administrative structures and concepts are in place. The study also examined key areas of integration such as housing, education, access to the labour market, social integration and voluntary work for refugees by the long-established population.
Less pressure on the housing market in rural areas only to a limited extent
The assumption that the (rental) housing market in rural areas is generally subject to less pressure could not be confirmed. Especially economically strong municipalities and/or university locations, which can also be found in rural areas, may experience increased competition for housing between refugees and other population groups. Housing is mainly available in peripheral regions within rural districts. The quality standard is however often inferior.
Mobility and infrastructure are key challenges
Questions related to mobility and the availability of (digital) infrastructure play a central role for the integration of refugees in rural areas, as well as for the attractiveness of these areas as a place to live in general. Since most of the refugees are not yet able to participate in motorised private transport , their integration opportunities depend heavily on being able to reach the relevant services via public transport or car-sharing, or to benefit from outreach services such as mobile counselling services provided by welfare organisations. This applies equally to work, education, healthcare, necessary contacts with authorities, and leisure activities.
Research Methods
The research team has identified several factors that are decisive for successful integration, as well as for prolonged stays in rural areas, based on interviews with more than 60 people in six rural districts in Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. In addition, the spatial distribution of refugees throughout Germany based on data of the Central Register of Foreigners is analysed. The underlying data of the research project refer to the year 2017.
The research report was prepared by: Tabea Rösch, Hanne Schneider, Johannes Weber and Dr. Susanne Worbs
The results of the research are published only in German.