A survey conducted by TNS Ilres Luxembourg and announced yesterday had revealed that the Luxembourg population has largely welcomed the large influx of applicants for international protection who have arrived in the Grand Duchy since September 2015.
A majority, 76%, of those asked agreed with the statement that Luxembourg help a moral duty to help and welcome these refugees, against 21% who disagreed.
In addition, 62% were of the opinion that there is currently a great surge of solidarity towards Luxembourg hosting refugees, compared with 24% who held the opposite view, whilst 68% perceived Luxembourg as up to the international and European political challenge of welcoming significant numbers of refugees, in contrast to a mere 16% who contradicted this view.
However, there was less confidence in the opinion that Luxembourg authorities are mastering the daily arrivals of refugees in Luxembourg currently and in the months to come, at 58% and 59%, respectively. In addition, whilst 61% of respondents viewed the refugee influx as an opportunity for the Luxembourg economy, 54% believed that such arrivals would present a challenge to the overall economy by increasing unemployment.
Minister of Family and Integration, Corinne Cahen, stated that the figures showed great solidarity and generosity on the part of the Luxembourg public, with residents eager to get involved as volunteers and support the integration process for refugees in Luxembourg.
The Minister continued by highlighting the challenge face by the government, an obstacle she claimed could only be met through collaboration between all departments, administrations, NGOs and other associations, as well as with the help of each individual. It is important to coordinate efforts and to transparently inform the public, she explained.
Photo by TNS Ilres
