Integration of a policy for a diversity policy.

Abstract

After Brussels Antwerp is Belgium's largest city. Out of 450.000 residents 20% are of foreign origin. Since 2000 the Dienst Integratie Antwerpen (DIA) (Antwerp Service for Integration) co-ordinates the City Council's policy on minorities. DIA is active in three fields: 1) the support of the City Council services in their contacts with the population of a different cultural background and the introduction of diversity management into the whole of the city; 2) the reception and the settling down of new residents and; 3) the contacts with the established allochthonous communities in the city. Antwerp's allochthonous residents should be allowed full participation in local society. But DIA also argues that the population's diversity should be recognised as a natural fact by the politicians and the public opinion. Diversity is a reality. If being dealt with in a positive way, it would also be a quality mark for a city like Antwerp.