But ODI said this figure may create a false impression for European policy-makers that the migration crisis is over, as it fails to take account of other migrants entering covertly. "These covert routes can be more dangerous and make it harder for governments to monitor migration and design effective responses." More than 15 billion euros has been spent on bilateral agreements, such as the EU-Turkey deal aimed at reducing the number of migrants travelling from Turkey to Europe. "The public debate usually focuses on the costs of managing the flux of migrants who enter Europe," Foresti told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "The costs of containing and reducing migration are rarely in the spotlight."

Source: The Star September 15, 2016 23:37 UTC