1. World problems
  2. Restrictions on international freedom of movement for national advantage

Restrictions on international freedom of movement for national advantage

  • Barriers to the movement of non-immigrants across frontiers
  • Barriers to the temporary international movement of persons

Nature

Governments overly restrict the flow of people across international frontiers. Increased mobility could induce excessively rapid equalizing tendencies (for example, labour shortages would be filled by unemployed manpower; high-wage societies would attract low-wage labour). However, the domestic pressures are such that governments are non-responsive to appeals to liberalize immigration laws or to allow numerous migrant or guest-labourers to enter, if only temporarily. Such restrictive policies accentuate inequalities, inducing migration of skilled individuals from places of greatest need to those of greatest opportunity. The countries that restrict movement the most are the least prepared to meet changing employment needs on a flexible basis.

Background

The GATT Uruguay Round recognizes that the movement of "natural persons" to provide services into another country constitutes "trade" in services and that the conditions of access of such persons is a legitimate subject for negotiation of trade concessions through which developing countries could increase their participation in world service trade.

Incidence

A major impediment to the realization of the competitive potential of developing countries in labour-intensive services has been the barriers to the temporary movement of persons.

Claim

Restrictions on international freedom of movement for national advantage are a grave injustice that undermines human rights and global cooperation. These barriers not only stifle individual potential but also hinder cultural exchange and economic growth. By prioritizing national interests over the fundamental right to move freely, countries perpetuate inequality and division. It is imperative that we challenge these restrictions, fostering a world where mobility is a right, not a privilege, to promote understanding and progress for all.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Counter-claim

Restrictions on international freedom of movement for national advantage are often overstated. Nations have the right to prioritize their citizens' safety and economic stability. In an increasingly interconnected world, it’s essential to balance openness with security. These measures can protect jobs, reduce crime, and enhance national sovereignty. Rather than viewing them as a problem, we should recognize them as necessary steps for responsible governance and the well-being of a nation’s populace.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Broader

Reduces

Related

Strategy

Value

Restriction
Yet to rate
Barrier
Yet to rate

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(D) Detailed problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
  • Government » Frontiers
  • Societal problems » Impediments
  • Societal problems » Restrictions
  • Society » Individuals
  • Society » Migrants
  • Content quality
    Presentable
     Presentable
    Language
    English
    1A4N
    D0351
    DOCID
    11403510
    D7NID
    151673
    Last update
    May 20, 2022