Designing viable and ethical labour immigration policies

By Martin Ruhs

Abstract:

There is an urgent need to develop a framework for a comprehensive discussion of labour immigration policy, that separates the normative from other aspects, and places the debates and design of labour immigration policies on an informed and reasoned footing. To this end, it is useful to distinguish between three fundamental questions:

  • What are the consequences of international labour migration?
  • What should be the objectives of labour immigration policy?
  • What policies are best suited to achieve these objectives?

This paper aims to provide a framework for discussion of each of these questions in a structured and comprehensive manner, and to suggest basic policy principles for a general “shell” or set of guidelines for country-specific policy making.

The first part of the paper categorises the main consequences of international labour migration and identifies the most important potential trade-offs between them.

The second part outlines some ethical issues to be addressed when evaluating these consequences and choosing policy objectives. It suggests five core considerations for a balanced approach that is both realistic, in taking account of existing realities in labour immigration policy making, and idealistic, by striving to improve existing labour immigration policies and outcomes for all involved, especially for migrant workers and their countries of origin.

Based on this approach, the third part makes a case for liberalizing international labour migration through new and expanded temporary foreign worker programmes, especially for low-skilled migrant workers. It argues that such programmes are both desirable from an ethical point of view and feasible in the sense that new and innovative policies could help avoid the adverse consequences associated with many past guest worker programmes.

Forthcoming as Chapter 10 in World Migration 2005, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Geneva

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For further information on the full report visit the IOM website - Link

 

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