Tougher entry rules will not deter migrants: UN official
Moves by countries to block the entry of foreign workers in response to the global economic crisis will not succeed, the UN's top advisor on migration issues said Tuesday.
"We've seen how ineffective simple prohibition policies (can be) with regard to migration...they don't really work," said Peter Sutherland, the UN secretary-general's special representative on migration at a forum in Manila.
Migrants will always find ways of gaining entry to a country if determined to do so, said Sutherland, adding that the number of illegal immigrants could increase if governments restrict visas to safeguard domestic jobs.
Immigration has become a major economic issue in Europe with unemployment set to rise amid recession fears.
Earlier this month, the 27-member European Union adopted an agreement to manage migration and boost border controls to limit illegal immigration. The pact has triggered protests in France.
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