Banksy: Steve Jobs was son of Syrian migrant

A man admires the painting of Steve Jobs, the son of a Syrian migrant.

Graffiti artist Banksy has created a new artwork in the so-called Jungle refugee camp in Calais depicting the late Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple.

The artwork shows Jobs, the son of a Syrian migrant, carrying an early Apple computer and a bin bag of possessions.

The work is intended to draw attention to the benefits of migration, Banksy said.

The artist, who has never revealed his identity, said "We're often led to believe migration is a drain on the country's resources but Steve Jobs was the son of a Syrian migrant.

"Apple is the world's most profitable company, it pays over US$7 billion ($10.4 million) a year in taxes - and it only exists because they allowed in a young man from Homs."

The work painted on a concrete bridge shows Jobs in his trademark black polo neck and round glasses.

In pictures posted on the artist's website, the work can be seen near tents and adjacent to another piece of graffiti which reads: "Nobody deserves to live this way!"

The camp in Calais is home to about 7000 migrants and refugees, the majority from Syria, Afghanistan and Eritrea.

Banksy also painted several other pieces, including one based on Theodore Gericault's famous painting Raft of the Medusa, but depicting refugees waving towards a luxury yacht.