Newcomers Navigating the Welfare State: Experiences of Immigrants and Street-level Bureaucrats With Belgium's Social Assistance System

The topic of social assistance for migrant newcomers often sparks heated public debate and remains a prominent concern on the policy agenda. Society – including the target groups of welfare institutions – has experienced a growing level of diversity. This reality gives rise to new demands and changing profiles of individuals who benefit from welfare services. Welfare institutions, which are responsible for providing social assistance, play a crucial role in granting access to social benefits for newcomers. Moreover, the provision of social assistance can significantly influence the settlement and integration processes of migrants.

This book provides empirical insights into the alignment between the needs of newcomers and the service provided to them. It examines the accessibility of social assistance for newcomers from a comprehensive perspective, encompassing aspects such as gaining access (including equal access for all) and service availability, as well as the suitability of these services. By focusing on the Belgian Public Centres for Social Welfare as a case study, the authors explore the policies and practices related to social assistance and labour market activation for newcomers and the factors that influence individuals' access to their rights.

By incorporating the perspectives of all the relevant stakeholders involved, drawing on the insights of social workers and managers as well as the experiences of newcomers themselves, this book offers a unique understanding of the interactions between immigrants, the welfare state, and street-level bureaucracy. It provides valuable insights for enhancing service provision, striving for a more inclusive approach.

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Contributors: Adriana Costa Santos (Université Saint-Louis Bruxelles), Michelle Crijns (Wilde Ganzen Foundation), Peter De Cuyper (KU Leuven), Abraham Franssen (Université Saint-Louis Bruxelles), Angeliki Konstantinidou (University of Liège), Jean-Michel Lafleur (University of Liège), Jérémy Mandin (University of Liège), Carla Mascia (Université Libre de Bruxelles), Elsa Mescoli (University of Liège), Roberta Perna (Complutense University of Madrid), Marije Reidsma (KU Leuven), Hanne Vandermeerschen (KU Leuven), Youri Lou Vertongen (Université Saint-Louis Bruxelles).

Hanne Vandermeerschen is a research expert in migrant integration at the University of Leuven, HIVA – Research Institute for Work and Society.

Elsa Mescoli is a post-doctoral researcher and Associate Professor at the University of Liège, Faculty of Social Sciences, CEDEM – Centre for Ethnic and Migration Studies.

Jean-Michel Lafleur is Senior Research Associate at the FRS-FNRS and Associate Professor at the University of Liège (Center for Ethnic and Migration Studies). He is also the Coordinator of the IMISCOE Research Network.

Peter De Cuyper is a migrant integration expert and research manager at the University of Leuven, HIVA – Research Institute for Work and Society.