Современные миграционные процессы в Ирландии

Abstract

The article is devoted to modern migration processes in Ireland. The growing Irish economy and its positive international reputation have maintained the attractiveness of the country to migrants seeking to work, study and settle here. In recent years, there has been a large increase in people choosing to become Irish citizens and, in addition, the numbers of second generation migrants continue to grow. The authors explain why Ireland does not suffer from the migration crisis in the European Union, and analyze peculiarities of migration processes in this country. The main attention is paid to immigration, but the authors also consider the dynamics of migration and underline that for many years, Ireland has been a country of emigrants. Both migration inflows and outflows are sensitive to the Irish economy and contribute to its downturn, but at the same time, such migratory flows change rapidly, sometimes in an independent way in relation to the economic recovery. Evidences are presented that labor migration is predominant in Ireland, and correlation is established between migration flows and the state of economy. The authors analyze the national composition of migration inflows, the role and place of migrants of different national and ethnical origins at the labor market and in the economy in general, underline a special position of immigrants of the Irish origin. The return flows of Irish migrants are viewed in the historical context. Ireland’s policy on refugees, participation in international and EU programs of relocation and resettlement of refugees are considered as well. Some aspects of the economic migration policy conducted by the Irish government are examined. In conclusion, the authors consider in brief the Ireland’s state policy for integration of immigrants into the economic, social and political life of the country.