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Abstract :
[en] Against a general background of increased ethnic diversity, rising politicisation of migration, and overexposure of mobile individuals to social risks, the access of migrants and their offspring to welfare has become a key area of concern in Belgium and other European democracies. Especially in the context of the recent financial crisis, high levels of unemployment and rapidly growing poverty rates have led to an increased demand on domestic welfare systems. This specific socio-economic context has had serious implications on the number of individuals in need of social protection, with migrant groups facing strong economic hardship. This paper aims to provide a critical reflection on the link between migration and access to welfare in Belgium and other EU Member States. In doing so, we propose a comprehensive analytical framework that allows for a systematic comparison of the inclusiveness of social protection systems towards mobile individuals. We argue that state responsiveness towards the social protection needs of their immigrant and emigrant populations has to be examined through a combination of factors including migration trajectories, the composition and characteristics of foreign and diaspora communities, as well as the nature of the welfare state.