The Labour Market Paradox

There is always a conflict between labour supply and economic demand, especially in labour intensive industries such as farming. While immigration is often restricted to “protect” local jobs, many industries (agriculture, hospitality, construction) are structurally dependent on illegal labour due to its flexibility and low cost. A rigid enforcement of migration regulations would lead to labour shortage, subsequently driving up prices (inflation) as local residents are often unwilling to accept the ‘low-skill’ positions left vacant by migrants.

Europe is facing an aging population, low birth rates and economic stagnation. By 2030, 25% of the population will be over 65. In contrast, Africa boasts a median age of under 20. Behind the headlines to “close the borders” to appeal to voters, economic reality compels European politicians to maintain “economic trapdoors” that allow the influx of necessary illegal labour to meet economic needs. The continent has turned inward in rhetoric and law while turning outward in practice.

“In 2023, while headlines focused on stopping boats in the Mediterranean and the English Channel, the EU issued over 3.8 million first residence permits (an all-time record) to African nationals. In recent years European countries have increased work-permit quotas in order to support sectors like elder care, agriculture, and construction—industries that would collapse without migrant labour.(p.8, https://www.esteri.it/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/EU-AFRICA_ISPI-report-2025_FINAL-WEB.pdf ).

The Freedom Paradox

In his book Capitalism and freedom , Nobel laureate Milton Friedman argued that prioritizing equality over freedom result in the loss of both. Following this line of reasoning, a society that places a higher value on stringent immigration restrictions than on freedom will ultimately find itself lacking in both immigration and freedom.

Why is this the case? Because a society that imposes strict controls on immigration will inevitably curtail the freedoms of its own citizens, as it must limit who they may employ, educate, buy from, befriend, and even whom they can marry. This scenario will lead to the emergence of an Orwellian society

The Trade Paradox

The EU’s unfair trade policies are often the causal factors that drive Africans to leave their home countries. For instance, EU Economic Partnership Agreements involve exporting subsidised European agricultural products to African markets. Local African farmers struggle to compete against the artificially low prices of these European imports and go out of business. Consequently these displaced farmers often become the “illegal migrants” who attempt the perilous journey to Europe in search of work.

The Public Debt Paradox

Undocumented workers provide a flexible and cheap source of labour in informal sectors, which help maintain prices low for consumers. They pay taxes and, on average, make a positive net contribution to the finances of EU governments (approximately 1.6% of GDP across OECD countries). They assist in funding social benefits for citizens and addressing government debts. Furthermore, they also act as consumers. Their expenditures generate demand for additional goods and services, which in turn creates jobs for documented workers.

The Darwin Paradox

Despite facing greater socioeconomic challenges, recent immigrants frequently outperform native-born citizens in various aspects: They are less prone to criminal activity or antisocial behaviour, they maintain better physical and mental health, they are more industrious and entrepreneurial, and they attain higher levels of education.

Consider this: in stark contrast to media portrayals, no one undertakes a perilous journey of thousands of miles in pursuit of a better life merely to seek troubles in their new homeland. The majority of undocumented migrants want to stay out of troubles with the law. Furthermore, those who endure the arduous journey must possess both physical and mental resilience. They are committed to hard work. Illness is not an option for them. Only the healthiest individuals choose to migrate. The fittest of the fittest.

The Welfare State Paradox

Milton Friedman argued that it is not possible to have both free immigration and a welfare state. If a welfare state guarantees a minimal level of subsistence to every resident, legal or illegal, regardless of their employment status, it will inevitably face challenges. The controversial solution is to keep immigration illegal.

In a welfare state, illegal immigration benefits everyone (the immigrants, the nation, and its citizens) as long as it remains illegal. “Why? Because as long as it’s illegal the people who come in do not qualify for welfare, they don’t qualify for social security […] They take jobs that most residents of this country are unwilling to take. They provide employers with the kind of workers that they cannot get. They’re hard workers, they’re good workers, and they are clearly better off.” – Milton Friedman, 1969

Consider this paradox: France offers more social security and political freedom than Britain. The UK pays France to prevent illegal migrants from crossing the English Channel. Yet, despite the superior social conditions in France, illegal migrants still prefer to reach the UK. Why? Because Britain offers more economic freedom than France. People migrate in search of employment, not for the welfare state contrary to a popular European belief.

Paradox	What Government say	What really happens	Column Header 3
Demography	“We must stop illegal entries.”	“We must stop illegal entries.”	Cata
Development	“Aid will keep people at home.”	Aid gives people the money and education needed to migrate.	LO
Trade	“We want to help Africa develop.”	Subsidised EU exports can destroy African local industries, driving migration.	D?