With the beginning of every presidential campaign in France, migration is a major subject of debate, as both right - wing and far - right candidates each time want to choke migrants by focusing on the cost they represent to the state.

However, according to the OECD Annual Report, issued on October 28, covering its 25 member States, "in all countries, the contribution of migrants paid in taxes is greater than the expenditure they allocate to social protection, health and education."

According to the first study on the subject since 2013, public expenditure on immigrants is lower than for the rest of the population in areas such as old-age pensions, sickness, disability, education and health. On the contrary, it is stronger with regard to unemployment, social exclusion and housing.

The author and economist Anna Damas de Matos states, "Indeed, when we adopt the defence budget and the payment of public debt, which are not only related to immigrants, but to the entire population, the contribution is negative for France (-0.85%), as is the average of 25 countries studied (-0.16)."

Furthermore, the report details that "the greatest gains in terms of budgetary contribution are found in countries that have attracted large flows of migrant labour, particularly highly skilled migrants."

"In countries with recent and young migration, we have a more positive contribution, as in Italy or Spain and vice versa. In France, the situation is average, given that the immigrant population is older. This means that there is a strong relationship between the proportion of the migrant population of working age and their net financial contribution. "

In the same report, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) notes that the Corona pandemic crisis led to the largest reduction in migration flows ever in OECD States, by more than 30%. In 2020, 3.7 million people joined 25 member States, the lowest level of migration recorded since 2003.