Migration is a major topic of discussion at the start of every presidential campaign in France, as right-wing and far-right candidates consistently seek to tighten restrictions on migrants by emphasizing the costs they impose on the state. However, according to the annual report released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on October 28, which covers its 25 member countries, "in all countries, the contribution of migrants in the form of taxes exceeds the expenditures that these countries allocate for social protection, health, and education."
In France, as in all OECD countries included in the study, the organization affirms that by determining the ratio of contributions made by migrants to the assistance they receive, this cost is balanced. The net budget contribution of individuals born outside France is 1.02% of GDP, resulting in a slight surplus, compared to an average of 1.56% for all countries.
According to the first study on this topic since 2013, public spending on migrants is lower than that for the rest of the population in areas such as pensions, health, disability, education, and health services. Conversely, it is stronger in relation to unemployment, social exclusion, and housing.
In an interview with Sky News Arabia, the study's author and economic expert, Anna Damas de Matos, stated, "In fact, when we consider the defense budget and public debt repayment, which relate not only to migrants but to the entire population, the contribution becomes negative for France (-0.85%), similar to the average of the 25 countries studied (-0.16%)."
