What was the focus of European immigration policy during the liberal phase before 1973?

During the liberal phase of European immigration policy before 1973, the primary focus was on worker recruitment. This era was characterized by many European countries seeking to address labor shortages caused by post-World War II economic growth. Nations such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom actively encouraged the influx of foreign workers to fill gaps in the labor market, particularly in industries needing a significant workforce.

Government programs were established to attract workers from various countries, leading to an international migration flow that significantly influenced the demographics of Europe. These policies were designed to meet the economic demands of the time, which favored the integration of immigrant workers into the local economy as a means of supporting growth and development.

While other aspects, such as family reunification and the treatment of asylum seekers, did exist and were considered in some instances, they were not the primary focus of immigration policy during this liberal phase. The significant emphasis was placed on economic immigration to sustain and enhance the labor force, making worker recruitment a central theme of the period.