The price of neglecting integration

When fundamental societal structures prevent some citizens from living up to their full potential, this is a serious challenge that ought to be given the attention it deserves.

So says Erika Anne Hayfield, an integration researcher at the University of the Faroe Islands.

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“Emigrating to another country is a process that occurs over an extended period. Many immigrants leave a job in their home country that perfectly matches their skills and end up in low-paying jobs here in the Faroes,” she says.

“This can easily result in a class-divided society in which immigrants are given the jobs that others may not want. We all have a fundamental need to feel that we make a difference. If we do not get the recognition we feel we deserve, this can not only affect our identity but also our mental health.”

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These limitations can also affect immigrant children, she adds.

“Children who are not given optimal life opportunities tend to do worse in life because they face obstacles in reaching their full potential. These are serious concerns for which we need to find some solutions, here and now.”

This article is based on a short TV interview.

More Faroese News in English.