Asylum needs to be 'properly managed'

With the working-age population in Europe widely expected to contract from 2010, immigration will become "increasingly necessary", according to the European Commission (EC).

In a new policy paper the EC also says the UK Government - in common with its European counterparts - must do more to help immigrants adjust to life in Britain.

Employment and social affairs commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou called for new initiatives to counter discrimination, boost social inclusion and for employment in order to help immigrants integrate.

Immigration 'inevitable'

New policies should "take specifically into account the needs of immigrants to be strengthened in these areas with greater participation by immigrants themselves," she said in a paper published on Tuesday.

"Zero immigration is not an option.

"Increased immigration flows are inevitable as a result of 'push' factors such as political instability in the world or welfare differentials."

Properly managed immigration was crucial to ensure the future needs of the European labour market were met, Ms Diamantopoulou argued.

"In order to make immigration a success, not least for current EU citizens, Europe must achieve radically better integration of immigrants already based in the EU and prepare now for future immigration."

A separate report by the EC backed a British proposal to set up camps outside Europe where asylum seekers could stay in safety while their applications were being processed.

The Home Office initiative was described as "very timely" by the commission which added that the plan would need to be resourced properly and needed "political commitment" if it was to succeed.

'Broad support'

Home Office minister Beverley Hughes said: "The UK is working with a number of EU partners to develop pilot schemes which we hope to have under way before the end of the year.

"As with any pilot these would start on a small scale with limited numbers, with plans to build on them.

"We have broad support in Europe for the key principles set out by the UK on better protection for refugees, and more enforceable and effective assessment of some asylum claims for people closer to their regions of origin.

Immigrants can and do contribute an enormous amount to our society, both culturally and economically Home Office spokesman

"Now we will continue to push forward with the zones pilots."

Bold action was needed to tackle illegal immigration and to deal with large numbers of asylum applications.

"We want to move towards a system where migrants who come to destination countries do so through legal channels, rather than arriving illegally, often having paid criminal organisations many thousands of dollars," she said.

A Home Office spokesman said: "The government is committed to helping refugees become settled and valued members of our society.

"Immigrants can and do contribute an enormous amount to our society, both culturally and economically."