Abstract
Two different situations concerning migration are present in Western Europe today: the EEC system and the framework of rules established independently of that system by specific treaties.
The EEC regulations are based on the principle of freedom of movement, stay and work for nationals of a member state in the territory of all other member states, equality of treatment with nationals of the host country being strictly applicable.
Outside the Community context, a number of multilateral treaties between member states of the Council of Europe, whose rules have been developed mainly on the basis of principles established by ILO Conventions, are in force, all inspired by the following guiding principles: safeguarding the right of each state to decide on the admission of foreign immigrants; affirming the guarantee of equal treatment to immigrants legally admitted and limiting the application of said rules to nationals of the contracting parties. Basic civil and political rights are protected, independently of nationality, with regard to every person within the jurisdiction of states parties to the European Convention on Human Rights.
Consequently, the UN Convention is essentially relevant for those migrant workers present in Europe who are nationals of those states not members of the EEC or not parties to those European conventions. Particularly important are the provisions concerning irregular migrations.
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