The best prevention against migrant women getting trafficked would be to grant them the right to legally work - also in prostitution. Restricted entry options into Germany and the EU are partially responsible for the increase in trafficking in persons.

There is an increased demand for workers in prostitution as well as in other industries. There are people willing to migrate and to do these jobs. It is incomprehensible why western European countries do not create adequate options. The German Immigration Law could have provided the framework for reacting adequately to the demand but unfortunately, the German government has not made use of this opportunity. Migration options for highly qualified professionals were created but none for potential employees in other areas.

If such an option were to be created, one would have to ensure that the employees cannot be exploited. This would require minimum standards in labor law which could serve as an orientation for the women affected.

Currently the discussion of the problem of trafficking in persons has a high priority in almost all countries of the European Union. Unfortunately, the debate is centered on issues which neglect the concerns of the people affected. The analysis solely focuses on the migration process. The issue of trafficking is also frequently instrumentalised in order to restrict migration.

This is not acceptable from a human rights perspective.