17.09.2002

Michel Villan, Director for Social Action and Immigrants of the Wallonian Region, thinks that the successful integration of immigrants is as great a source of wealth, economic and otherwise, for Belgium as it is for their countries of origin.

Question: Your Minister, Thierry Detienne, said yesterday that countries with particularly diverse populations are better equipped to face the challenges of globalisation. How is this translated into practice in Wallonia?

Michel Villan: Rather than shunting immigrants into jobs that often fail to match their real abilities, we try to make best use of their skills in co-operation with their countries of origin. Clearly, it is easier to teach an immigrant the rules of international commerce than to introduce a Belgian to African usages and customs. If this same immigrant then develops a commercial activity between Africa and Belgium this will be to the benefit of both parties.

Question: How do you set about achieving these objectives?

Michel Villan: Firstly, all legal immigrants can return home for some time, without the threat of not being readmitted to Belgium. This helps them to maintain the links between their host country and country of origin. We are also establishing specific forms of co-operation, particularly with sub-Saharan Africa, to develop commercial and economic activities. Using the skills of Africans living in Belgium, as part of this co-operation, is beginning to make a real contribution to development.

Question: Is the proper use of immigrant skills a job creation factor in Belgium itself?

Michel Villan: A number of new occupations, such as intercultural mediator and social interpreter, are beginning to emerge, even though they are somewhat experimental. More generally, though, we want to offer new responses to needs. We want to approach individuals from an overall standpoint and encourage their skills. And we are constantly aware that a country that remains closed to the outside world is a country in decline.