Authorities that erect major obstacles to migration - or place severe restrictions on migrants' work opportunities - inflict needless economic self-harm, as they impose barriers to having their labor needs met in an orderly, legal fashion. Worse still, they unintentionally encourage illegal migration.

In this quote, Antonio Guterres critiques policies that create significant obstacles for migration, particularly those that restrict migrants' work opportunities. He argues that these restrictions not only harm the individuals who seek to migrate but also cause economic self-harm to the countries imposing them. By preventing migrants from legally entering the workforce, countries fail to address their labor needs effectively, leading to inefficiency and missed opportunities for growth.

Guterres further explains that the result of these barriers is not only economic but also social. When countries make it difficult for migrants to enter legally, they inadvertently create conditions that encourage illegal migration. Migrants, in desperate need of work and a better life, often turn to unlawful means to cross borders or find employment, which in turn leads to issues like exploitation, human trafficking, and further strain on border enforcement.

The quote underscores the irony of restrictive migration policies: by trying to limit migration, authorities may actually increase the flow of illegal migrants. In essence, these policies fail to solve the problem they aim to address, creating a cycle of undocumented migration that is harder to control and more damaging to society. Guterres advocates for a more orderly and legal approach to migration that meets both humanitarian and economic needs without pushing people into the shadows.

Ultimately, Guterres’ statement highlights the importance of designing migration policies that balance security and economic needs while respecting the rights of migrants. He calls for a shift towards more practical solutions that allow for the orderly flow of labor and reduce the negative consequences of restrictive policies.