There are many benefits for both migrant communities and the receiving society when migrants take part in civic, political and public life, and can shape decisions on public policies and services.

1. Ensuring policy responsiveness and effectiveness  

Migrant under-representation in decision making has implications across policy areas, such as difficulties in accessing healthcare, housing or work. When people feel excluded and don’t have any ownership over decisions that affect their lives, this affects social cohesion as well.

Public policies and services that reflect the communities they serve, where diverse groups are included and represented in decision making, can better respond to the needs of its residents, including migrants. Such policies and services are also more likely to be effective and perceived as credible.   

2. Boosting migrants’ economic contribution

Migrant communities in the UK make a significant contribution to the UK’s economy, through employment, entrepreneurial or business activities, and as consumers.

Migrants are a core workforce and frontline staff in many sectors of the economy reliant on migrant workers, such as health care, social care, construction or agriculture, where demand isn’t met by the local population.

Many talented migrants also work in cutting edge sectors, like information and digital technology, higher education and research, or financial and professional services, as engineers, life scientists or consultants.

Migrants are also hugely entrepreneurial; they are more likely than the population in general to start a business and, once established, their businesses are also more likely to innovate and to export.

Yet, a lack of voice can impact on migrants’ ability to shape decisions and to access resources or quality public services that would enable them to thrive. This can stifle migrants’ economic contribution as well as their personal well-being.

3. Strengthening well-being, personal development and social cohesion

Getting involved in civic, political and public life has wider benefits for migrants’ well-being, personal development, and social cohesion.

Taking part in activities, like joining a local campaign for better public services, can have positive impact on individual health, happiness and life satisfaction. It can help migrants gain new skills and experiences that also improve their employability.

Participation promotes good relationships with neighbours, unity, and a sense of belonging. When people have some ownership over decisions in their local area, they feel heard and valued.

Finally, participation can bring communities closer together and strengthen social cohesion. When migrants get involved, it can lead to more positive attitudes toward immigration among the general public.

← 

→