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Quotas: good for trade, good for migrants?

Swiss businesses fear that a decision in February 2014 to curb immigration will adversely affect the economy. The vote result will lead to the reintroduction of labour quotas, but a Princeton professor says this can be good for the economy. (SRF/SWI)

Dani Rodrik, professor of social science at the Institute of Advanced Study in Princeton, is a powerful critic of what he calls a “hyper-globalization agenda” favoured by the corporate community and academic economists.

In his book, ‘The Globalization Paradox’, Rodrik argues provocatively that it makes sense to impose restrictions on migrants seeking work, but advocates a more generous temporary work permit programme.

Controversially, the economist says such programmes are so beneficial to poor countries that they would no longer need foreign aid.

The re-introduction of a strict quota system in Switzerland is being discussed in the aftermath of the February vote on immigration.

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