'immigration' - tagged features

A few years ago, Sweden’s Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of the furniture chain, IKEA, was proclaimed the richest man in the world, surpassing Microsoft’s founder, Bill Gates. He’s not Sweden’s only rich man: Salvatore Grimaldi is the richest immigrant to Sweden. Grimaldi Industries is one of Europe’s top bicycle manufacturers. His story reads like one of those how-to-become a millionaire guides: move to a foreign country, buy companies and sell them off. And presto! 

The European Commission launched the world's biggest job advertising blitz this week. European officials announced plans to introduce an EU work permit - dubbed the Blue Card. It's inspired by the famous Green Card in the US and is designed to attract would-be migrants normally headed for North America or Australia. And to match the EU flag, it's of course a Blue Card - not a green one. Why does Europe needs such a card? 

Immigration has been on top of the news in France over the past couple of weeks. A new immigration law is being debated in parliament that could introduce quotas, as well as DNA testing, for family members of immigrants coming to France. Amidst these debates and polemics, the "Cite de l'Immigration", France's first museum devoted to the history of immigration opened this week. An opening - but with no big fuss. President Sarkozy wasn't there - he was in Russia - and the Immigration minister wasn't there either. 

the Chinese population in France is increasingly becoming the focus of the French police when it comes to evicting illegal immigrants. According to official estimations, some 70.000 live in France. The Chinese, well many of them, do live in their own communities, and do not speak French. They work in Chinese environments. RFI's Anustup Roy finds out what the reasons. 

Try getting anything done in France during August, and you'll come up against a wall: Everything is closed, as most people are on vacation. But apparently not everyone is out of commission. According to some immigrant rights groups, the immigration police are working hard -- deporting more illegal immigrants this summer than ever before. RFI's Sarah Elzas reports from Paris. 

Sweden has entered into its annual summer break but this year's holidays coincide with the last intense months of campaigning before the country's national elections in September. One reoccurring issue in the debate this year is the perceived failure of the present government to integrate immigrants into Swedish society. The opposition Liberal party has resurrected a controversial set of proposals which were credited with winning the party votes last election but also gained unwanted support from anti-immigrant elements in Swedish society. The proposal was demand that people be able to speak Swedish before they are granted citizenship. Radio Sweden reports.