Society consists of numerous interconnected, interacting, and interdependent groups, which invariably differ in both power and status. Inequality and conflict between social groups entails economic as well as sociological and political factors. The tensions that arise between these groups are the root of society's most difficult problems -- sometimes, the root of its disintegration. Ethnic and minority conflict is an inherent part of social life. The study of specific ethnic and minority groups reflects the fact that people live in very powerful competitive modern or traditional societies; also, that group conflict and inequality is generally the social norm rather than the exception.

Why is labour migration an issue of such public, social and political concern? How did it acquire such an importance? This book deals with exploitation on a massive scale. It is estimated that there are roughly 20 to 30 million unauthorised migrants world-wide, comprising 10%-15% of the world's immigrant stock. The book focuses on migrant workers, accompanied by as many dependants, who are driven by circumstances beyond their control to work in a country other than their own, in a foreign society that cannot function without them. Most countries admit only a limited number of labour immigrants to meet their labour market needs and priorities. The papers presented in this book cover a wide range of areas from various aspects. The points of view on and from different countries try to look at the very complex subject of migrant labourers from three main aspects -- social, legal and criminological. Theses papers cover a wide range of areas such as - prejudices and racial intolerance, official policies, living and health conditions, psychological and psychiatry aspects, criminality and victimisation and human trafficking. Some of the papers advance the Conflict theory, which seeks to catalogue the ways in which those in power seek to stay in power. Others reflect on basic facts advanced by other sociological and criminological theories.