The housing conditions are alarming too, according to the Report. As well as being constantly overcrowded, Caritas Belgium speaks of immigrants with part-time beds, forced to take turns with others during the day. In addition, their unhealthy living conditions (inadequate housing, poor food, dangerous and underpaid jobs) aggravate their health which is made worse by limited access to health care services. As to education, immigrants tend to achieve lesser qualifications and leave their studies earlier. As to involvement in public life, they can rarely influence the decision-making process, even on issues that directly affect them. In its final recommendations, Caritas Europe invites the governments to "grant voting rights to all regular migrants, at least at the local, regional and European elections”. Helping all those who live in uncertain and irregular conditions to "get out of the dark", highlights the Report, “can help promote legality, stabilise the labour market, improve living conditions and contribute to a European social model”. The Italian version will be available from July 2006. A fact sheet is available now at www.caritasitaliana.it.
