The Chief Commissioner of Northern Ireland’s Equality Commission, Bob Collins, has praised the role of migrant workers.
Mr Collins said they brought experience, expertise, knowledge and skill, which could enhance Northern Irish lives and communities.
He told a conference in Belfast that migrant workers offered the values of diversity, vibrancy, openness and freshness.
Mr Collins, the former RTÉ Director General, was speaking at the annual equality conference which is taking place during anti-racist workplace week.
More than 130 delegates will hear speeches from politicians and sociologists throughout the day.
Workshops at the conference are considering issues facing migrant workers in public and private employment and also examining issues in key areas such as housing, education, health and social services.
