Lessons to be learnt from the use of administrative sources in a recent immigration country

1. UN ECE Workshop on international migration statistics for countries of CIS and South-Eastern Europe; Edinburgh, 23rd-24th Nov. 2006 Lessons to be learnt from the use of administrative sources in a recent immigration country Bohdana Hola, Czech Rep.;e-mail: bohdana.hola@czso.cz

2. What does it mean Recent Immigration Country? • unpredictable increase in stock of foreigners at the end of a year or • massive increase in number of immigrants/net migration ?

3. Stock information – Czech Rep.

4. Flow information – Czech Rep.

5. What can Czech experience give to CIS and SEE countries? * Similar history (under USSR political block)  • (probably) similar initial registration systems • probably similar (or stronger) position of Ministry of Interior and similar (or weaker) position of NSI within „de-facto“ governmental institutions‘ hierarchy * Rising importance of immigration phenomenon

6. What are the main differences • EU/non-EU – EU pressure for harmonisation of data provided to Eurostat is much stronger • Registration of non-permanent change of residence of nationals (it was cancelled in the Czech Republic) • Migration situation patterns (stateless, former USSR and former Yugoslavia heritage etc.)

7. Administrative data sources in CZ • Population register (nationals+foreigners) • Foreigners Information System (visas and permits, residences, illegal migration and stay reported etc.) • Database “Refugee” (asylum process) • Registration on naturalisation (ctz agenda) • OK Labour system (work-permits and registrations) • Register of TradeLicences • other

8. Where to get the data for UN? (non-migratory flows)

9. Where to get the data for UN? (migr.flows+stocks)

10. How to get data following the „1 year rule“ from UN Recom. • ask for „intention to stay“ at the time of crossing the border or at the time of registration • validity of visa/permit (majority of visa is 90 days and over) • ex-post coverage (waiting 1 year) • using of estimation scheme

11. Migration statistics – methodological change towards UN Recommendations (1 year rule) • till 2000 migration=permanent residence change; notification on migration unique for nationals and foreigners • 2001-2002 (following census)– extension for foreigners (ex-post long-term migration = waiting 1 year from real immigration); nationals – permanent residence change remains • 2003-today – ex-post  ex-ante coverage of migration (ex-post adjustment for those who emigrated during one calendar year)

12. Lessons we have learnt: I • it is nearly impossible to fully follow the 1998 UN Recommendation using administrative sources only. • „DIY“ is the best practice for the compilation of statistics from administrative source (when you have the chance). • Institution responsible for register won‘t change anything to satisfy statistical needs unless it is made by law or any other legal act. • If there is any governmental committee responsible for integration of foreigners, participation of NSI in such committee could help to improve data collection.

13. Lessons we have learnt: II • It is possible to find a common speech with analysts from the responsible institution but • it is almost impossible to find a common speech with their lawyers concerning individual data transfers. • Everybody wants data, nobody wants to submit data. • One would probably succeed when obtaining stock data. But to get flow data makes real problem because officials won’t understand the request. • The stronger are rules for entering the country (visas, permits) the easier is way to find and get data. Data on flows of nationals and people under free-movement – this is real problem!

14. Lessons we have learnt: III UN Recommendations are good servant but a very bad lord. When they are revised, the point of view of the NSIs should be taken into account to have realistic and encouraging and not idealistic and depressing book of Recommendations

15. Thank you for your attention