More borders, walls and fences? The EU migration debate.
The migration debate is yet again in full swing, as European countries still struggle to adequately respond to the flow of asylum seekers. The Netherlands had a crisis on its hands last summer which saw hundreds of asylum seekers having to spend nights in miserable conditions outside in tents. Prognoses are that even more asylum seekers will come to the Netherlands and the country is ill prepared for this situation.
Image credits: vectorjuice on FreepikEU meeting on migration
This week, on 9 and 10 february, the EU is meeting to discuss the topic of migration, on request of the Dutch and Austrian governments. So far, the thought of making Europe even less accessible to migrants seems to be gaining in popularity. The EU wants to send back irregular migrants sooner. There are talks about expanding Frontex, the EU border migration police -complicit in push backs- and more and more nations seem to be in favor of placing a physical border around Europe. Reinforcing existing walls with ‘’drones, radar and surveillance equipment.’’ Walls and fences. Apparently, EU member states are prepared to spare no costs in keeping migrants out.
Labor shortage
Yet some argue that, instead of making it as difficult as possible for immigrants to enter Europe, we should seek to embrace immigrants. Germany is seeking to open its job market to much-needed workers from outside the bloc, as many European countries are dealing with a severe labor shortage. Though only accepting immigrants out of pure desperation of the lack of employees seems rather immoral, there are many who plead that the EU economy is vitally dependent on immigrants, if it wants to survive, thrive and grow in the coming years. Economist Giovanni Peri argues that in the beginning, a refugee will cost the hosting country money. ‘’However, all the studies show that in the second, third, fourth years—especially if the refugees access the labor market and have been supported and assisted to find a job and to learn the language—they become productive assets. They can be employed, and the income they generate is much larger than the cost. Many economists argue that these refugees are an opportunity for several European countries because they come at a point when there are significant shortages of workers.’’
Economics and migration
The right policies can match some of these refugees to jobs and turn the short-term cost into a return for the receiving economy. This goes beyond low-skilled jobs that the population of the host country doesn’t want to fulfill. A growing number of immigrants are fulfilling occupations in healthcare, technology and IT. If proper guidance and investment in integration is provided, taking into account trauma and physiological conditions as well as needs and skills of the immigrant, they would be a valuable member to society. Migrants who are integrated and guided to a job matching their level, contribute more in taxes and social contributions than they receive in individual benefits.
Such arguments oppose the generally prevailing argument that refugees cost countries nothing but money and headache. If not out of a feeling of moral obligation, then the economic reason can be decisive too in supporting immigration according to some.
Economics and migration expert Giles Merritt, who founded the influential Brussels based think tank Friends of Europe, argues exactly this. In his book ‘’People Power: Why We Need More Migrants’’ he shows how the west's aging population needs migrants.
According to Merritt, Europe will soon be faced with a choice: ‘’either it will face enormous economic problems, or it will bring in migrants on a large scale, give them houses and education and will therefore be ready for the future. It is much more expensive to keep the migrants out of Europe than it will be to exploit their economic potential once they are in.” A statement that would be interesting to research once the proposed plans of EU border protections are finalized. He fears however, that his arguments won’t be heard and leaders continue to focus on short-term solutions for electoral gain.
While the asylum crisis is immensely complex, social scientists and economists plead for at least a more honest and humane debate. Even those who put self-interest first could arrive at choices other than raising the walls higher.
