Ecuador rejects new EU bill on illegal immigrants
14:36, February 21, 2009









The Ecuadoran government has voiced its opposition to an EU decision to punish employers who hire undocumented immigrants.

The "sanctions directive," which has been approved by the European parliament in a bid to curb illegal immigration to the continent, will have a negative impact on immigrants, the Ecuadoran Foreign Ministry said.

The undocumented immigrants will face deteriorating working conditions and more exploitation if their potential employers face higher risks by hiring them, the ministry said.

The bill aims to force the return of undocumented immigrants by eliminating their job opportunities, the ministry said, adding that the EU law infringes on the fundamental rights of the immigrants.

Ecuador is against the trafficking of humans while seeking to prevent undocumented immigrants falling victim to exploitation, the ministry said in a communique.

Ecuadoran Foreign Minister Fander Falconi said he has ordered the country's diplomats in EU countries to reaffirm their rejection and express deep concern over the new bill.

Regional organizations including the Union of South American Nations (Unasur) and the Rio Group also urged the EU governments to start a "comprehensive and structured dialogue" on the issue, local media said.
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