Public Sentiment and Policy Impact: Host Country Citizens’ Attitude Towards Refugees and Migrants as a Key Criterion for Migration Policy

Abstract

In the context of growing socio-economic inequalities, oppressive regimes and civil wars in various countries of Africa and the Middle East, migration has once again risen to prominence in the public discourse across Europe. As a key destination for asylum seekers due to its geographical proximity with conflict epicenters, including Ukraine, it has become a focal point in debates surrounding asylum policies. Despite the extensive effort made by international organizations like the European Union and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the anti-immigrant sentiment among local populations which view this not as a humanitarian gesture, but as a threat to national identity and security, has significantly intensified in recent years. This paper argues that while various statistical criteria are typically used by researchers to evaluate the effect of migration policies, they may fail to reflect the public attitude due to misinformation and lack of transparency on refugee management. With the economic impact of immigration identified as a major concern, this analysis suggests that policymaking should focus on resolving concerns about job competition and pressure on the public services by enhancing capacity to manage the influx and by providing accessible information on the procedures following an asylum seeker's arrival at a reception center.