Internationale Migranten und Migration in der GrossRegion SaarLorLux

The methodical basis for the article is a literature review combined with an analysis of the data from the statistical institutes of Luxembourg, Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, Wallonia and France. The data include inflows and outflows of international migrants during different periods for the Greater Region subregions (e.g. for Rhineland-Palatinate from 1950 to 2010). Due the non-harmonisation of the available data, the different administrative divisions and different definitions of the term "migrant" used by the different state authorities in the Greater Region, the analyses are mainly performed at subregion level. For the map representations the lowest common denominator in the data has been used. (p. 1-7)

For Saarland the emphasis is placed especially on the demographic change and migration outflows since the 1990s. Inward migration is mainly marked by the guest worker movements in the heyday of the coal and steel industry. Other groups are recent ethnic German migrants, asylum seekers and refugees as well as atypical cross-border commuters (especially in the Merzig-Wadern district). (p. 8-14)

Rhineland-Palatinate stands out due to a concentration of positive migration balances in the cities. International migration consisted or consists mainly of labour migration, recent ethnic German migrants, members of the American armed forces and (quota) refugees and asylum seekers. In Rhineland-Palatinate integration is seen as a mutual duty of the arrivals and the receiving community. On the whole Rhineland-Palatinate is, due to its spatial structure and proximity to different borders and conurbations, very heterogeneously structured. (p 15- 21)

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is characterised by a steep rise in its population due to an influx of migrant workers – initially as guest workers, then as permanent employees. In many districts (especially the large cities) foreign nationals now form a clear majority.

Lorraine is marked by the youngest, but nevertheless a stagnating population. Labour migration is the distinguishing factor especially for urban districts, where there was a demand for workers for the coal and steel industry until the 1970s.

Wallonia shows a positive migration balance, especially from neighbouring countries and Eastern and Southern countries. Once again migration (especially from North Africa) was driven by demand for workers in the coal and steel industry. In addition, there was and is an inflow from former colonies.