Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The report's findings claimed to challenge misconceptions about migrants

Immigration provides substantial economic and social benefits to Northern Ireland, a report has said.

The report, written by two academics from Queen's University, said about 4% of the Northern Ireland workforce is made up of migrant workers.

Commissioned by the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building, it suggested migrants contribute more in tax than they use in services.

It claimed migrants contributed £1.2bn to the economy from 2004 to 2008.

Image copyright unite against hate

The report was written by Professor Peter Shirlow and Dr Richard Montague at Queen's University Belfast, and its findings claim to challenge commonly held misconceptions about migrants.

It examined a number of areas like population, employment, housing, benefits, economy, healthcare, education, crime and social cohesion.

TheDemocracy was keen to commission a piece of work that would look seriously at the migrant population in Northern Ireland and demonstrate how much migrants contribute to our society," he said.

Image copyright unite against hate

"The report highlights contributions in tax, skills, labour and cultural diversity - enriching our society rather than threatening it."

Belfast Lord Mayor Nichola Mallon said: "Tackling racism continues to be a priority for Belfast City Council and is a priority which received all-party political support.

"The report provides a strong evidence base for Belfast as a city to be able to champion the positive social and economic benefits of diversity and to continue to promote Belfast as a welcoming city."

Professor Shirlow said: "The report and its findings are profoundly important because they completely rebut the stereotypes