The Asylum Seekers in Non-Metropolitan Areas in France: Between Temporary Integration and Leading to Autonomy. The Case of the Ambertois Territory

Rafik Arfaoui

doi:10.3390/socsci8070210

Abstract

This article focuses on the integration process of people seeking asylum in non-metropolitan areas in France. It conceptualizes the reception of asylum seekers involving two interrelated approaches: the utilitarian approach and the humanitarian approach. This article is based on surveys, participatory and sensitive cartography, and participant observation conducted in the Ambertois territory between 2017 and 2018. I find the Ambertois territory can be considered a “fragile space,” particularly in terms of demographics, with difficulties in maintaining public services. These difficulties are risks for asylum seekers, and are impacting the urban space. These risks are intensified by the national and regional level policies like the recent reform of the asylum and immigration act on the one hand, and the suffering they experienced throughout their migratory journey on the other. Faced with these risks, local synergies, which facilitate the integration of asylum seekers, are emerging from local actors. This integration is temporary and is considered by local actors as leading to the autonomy of asylum seekers.

Highlights

The Ambertois territory within the Puy-de-Dôme in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region provides an example of the settlement of asylum seekers in central France
The settlement operation is part of a wider national dispersal policy for migrants conducted in France since July 2015.1 Some of these reception centers have been created in non-metropolitan areas because of their relatively low cost compared to other, more expensive parts of France
While the housing availability and cost is lower in these non-metropolitan areas, the commitment of local actors to host asylum seekers on their territory may not be as strong as metropolitan areas

Summary

Introduction

The Ambertois territory within the Puy-de-Dôme in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region provides an example of the settlement of asylum seekers in central France (see Figure 1) This settlement operation has been conducted since July 2016. The settlement operation is part of a wider national dispersal policy for migrants conducted in France since July 2015.1 Some of these reception centers have been created in non-metropolitan areas because of their relatively low cost compared to other, more expensive parts of France. Land opportunities opportunities and and the the relatively relatively low low cost cost of of reception, reception, and and the the desire desire of of local local of politicians, have placed non-metropolitan areas at the heart of the national dispersal policy For this politicians, have placed non-metropolitan areas at the heart of the national dispersal policy. This dispersal policy is multi scalar and it canthis be reason, many reception centers have been created

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Conclusion