Local exposure to refugees changed attitudes to ethnic minorities in the Netherlands

We investigate the effect of exposure to refugees on locals’ preferences with regard to ethnic minorities using individual-level panel data from the Netherlands. The data combine self-reported preferences with administrative data on the residential locations of the locals and the refugees. The study period is marked by a sudden inflow of refugees in some neighbourhoods. We find that individuals living close to newly installed refugee facilities developed a more positive attitude towards ethnic minorities and became less supportive of anti-immigration parties compared to individuals living farther away. An investigation of mechanisms suggests that the local effect is due to contact between residents and refugees.