Study title

Urban areas with a long history of immigration, known as ‘arrival areas,’ provide a variety of resources for newcomers through what is termed ‘arrival infrastructures.’ Arrival infrastructures can be described as concentrations of actors, institutions and organisations which facilitate migrant arrival. They can be specifically targeted to newcomers or form part of a broader social infrastructure ecosystem that fosters wellbeing and community integration among all residents. This data encapsulates findings from a three-year research project titled Arrival Infrastructures and Migrant Newcomers in European Cities (AIMEC). The AIMEC project studied migrant arrival and settlement processes in London (UK), Brussels (Belgium), and Dortmund (Germany), examining how newcomers in these cities obtain settlement information and how long-established residents support them. Through qualitative, ethnographic research including interviews and participant observation, and engagement with local stakeholders through volunteering, the research engaged with recently arrived residents and those providing support to them. This included individuals in both institutional and everyday settings, including public spaces, local businesses, civil society organisations, and state-funded institutions. While primary data cannot be shared due to ethical concerns, summaries of interviews are available. Key findings of the project include: Challenges on arrival - key challenges faced by participants upon arrival included: • Difficulties in accessing information about resources such as affordable housing and legal status, navigating a complex web of organizations and intermediaries. • Limited awareness of their rights to welfare support, leading to non-engagement with services. • Low digital literacy that hinders access to essential information despite efforts by local organizations to provide digital support. • Long waiting times for legal status applications that create uncertainty,...