Reducing economic refugees

In 1999, the European Union decided to draw up a common policy. The aim was to prevent an influx of refugees by helping the countries they come from to fight poverty, and establish or maintain peace and democracy. The EU Council had already quickly adopted action plans for certain countries.

1. There is a simple way of distinguishing the politically needy from the financially greedy: only accept refugees from countries that are equally rich or richer. There would then be no need to suspect their motive was one of economic gain and the need for cross-examination, personal questioning, delays and insecurity of status would be immediately removed. Under this proposal, neither Japan, North America nor Western Europe would be likely to take many refugees. For this proposal not to offend against "lifeboat ethics" -- each lifeboat, in this case a nation, taking on board its share of misery from the global ocean of oppression and over-population -- then at the very least the rich countries would have to finance the costs involved for those countries or voluntary organizations that would be caring for the political refugees.

1. Reducing number of refugees

1. Repatriating refugees

1. Accepting refugees

1. Economic migrants

1. Uneconomic
2. Refugee