States that host large numbers of immigrants should resist popular pressure to erect barriers to newcomers in the economic downturn and highlight the economic benefits of migration, according to United Nations development experts.

In a study published on Monday, the UN Development Programme acknowledges that “the tendency to blame outsiders for society’s ills is accentuated during economic downturns”. It argues, however, that closing the door to people from abroad would be short-sighted, even from a strictly economic perspective.

“Movement is inevitable,” Jeni Klugman, the lead writer of the report, said in an interview. “Restrictions on movement lead to worse outcomes than would otherwise be the case, so we aim to raise public understanding of the benefits that accrue to destination countries from migration.”

Research for the report suggests that the gains from a 5 per cent increase in the number of migrants in developed countries would be worth $190bn. The report notes that by taxing illegal immigrants, while turning a blind eye to their status, the US raises $7bn a year for the Treasury.

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