Although some people believe migrants arrive in countries to “steal” local jobs and take advantage of social services, these perceptions are not based in reality.

That’s the opinion of the UN Special Representative for International Migration, Louise Arbour, citing data showing the economic benefits these workers bring to the countries where they’ve settled and their own homelands.

The international community is in the process of devising a global agreement that fosters safe, regular and orderly migration, to be adopted next year.

Liz Scaffidi asked Ms. Arbour about her message for International Migrants Day, observed on 18 December.

Duration: 6’09”