France Terre d'Asile Projects Nearly €3 Billion Annual Gain from Regularizing Undocumented Migrants

A recent study by France Terre d'Asile outlines substantial economic benefits from reforms aimed at reducing administrative barriers for migrants in France. The organization's report suggests that regularizing 250,000 undocumented migrants could generate approximately €2.9 billion annually in taxes and social contributions, a significant fiscal boost for the country. This measure is part of a broader set of five proposals designed to create a more humane and economically efficient immigration policy, which France Terre d'Asile estimates could save the state and social security over €3.3 billion each year.

Other recommended actions include facilitating faster work access for asylum seekers, projected to save around €139 million annually, and rationalizing the issuance of "obligations to leave French territory" (OQTF), contributing an additional €41 million in savings. The group also calls for halting the costly expansion of administrative detention centers, which could yield around €219 million in savings, as well as improving housing for asylum seekers to potentially generate €14 million each year.

Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, president of France Terre d'Asile, emphasized the dual wastefulness of current immigration policies—both human and financial—and argued that solidarity can align with economic efficiency. The report highlights that many undocumented migrants work undeclared, thus evading taxes and social contributions, and contends that enhancing France's capacity to receive migrants is key to unlocking the economic potential of immigration, especially amidst demographic aging and labor shortages.

The anticipated positive social and economic impacts are expected to become visible by 2026, underscoring the urgency and value of reforming immigration and asylum policies in France.