Migration overview

Pros for the host country

- Larger workforce

- Younger population to combat ageing demographic

- Diversify communities by incorporating more cultures

- Filling of labour shortages

- Stimulates the multiplier effect via local spending

- More taxes can be collected and reinvested

- Creation of new jobs due to higher demand

Cons for the host country

- Pressure on services

- Lack of housing due to overcrowding of urban areas

- Pollution due to more people living urban lifestyles

- Conflict or discrimination between cultures

- Less low-skilled jobs available

- Increase in demand for resources

- Perceived increase in crime

- No taxes collected from undocumented immigrants

- Remittances do not benefit local economy

Pros for the source country

- Less pressure on services

- Remittances can supplement household income

- Social remittances can be brought back by returning migrants

- Remittances can be reinvested into the area, allowing development

- Increase in job availability

Cons for the source country

- Brain drain as high-skilled leave

- Illegal trafficking of people and exploitation

- Inequality between families that receive remittances and those that don't

- Ageing population potentially unable to fill labour gaps

- Fewer taxes to be reinvested into the area

- Separation of families

Push factors

NEGATIVE FACTORS WHICH OPERATE IN THE SOURCE COUNTRY

- Conflict

- Natural disasters

- Persecution

- Crime

- Corrupt government

- Droughts

- Famine

- Lack of rights

- Lack of opportunities

- Pollution

- Political instability

- Lack of resources/services

Pull factors

- Economic opportunities

- Education

- Safer housing

- Accepting society

- Healthcare

- Resources

- Stable government

- More rights

- Family reunification

International migration

- There has been significant growth in the number of international migrants in the 21st century.

- In 2020, there were over 280 million international migrants (around 1 in 35 people).

- Migration is linked to globalisation - as places are increasingly interconnected, the magnitude, complexity, and impacts of migration make it an increasingly important topic.

Relationship between patterns of international migration and development

- Migration can significantly contribute to development; it can be a positive process for stability, economic growth, and socio-economic change.

- Inequalities in levels of development can be a cause of migration; this has a major influence on the direction and scale of global migrant flows.

- Remittances have overtaken FDI, private capital flows, and aid as the largest inflow of capital to emerging economies.

- $857bn was sent home by migrant workers in 2023 (an increase from previous years).

- Money transfer companies tend to charge fees on however much money is sent.

Overall reasons for migration patterns

- ECONOMIC MIGRATION: job opportunities lead to more disposable income which contributes to remittances.

- ESCAPING CONFLICT: more politically stable governments are appealing.

- FAMILY REUNIFICATION: joining family members who have already migrated; already are members of the community.

- SCHENGEN AGREEMENT: allows freedom of movement within the EU to live and work.

Overall reasons for migration patterns

- IMMIGRATION POLICIES: some countries may have more favourable policies, making it easier to get visas.

- GEOGRAPHICAL PROXIMITY: countries that are closer are more accessible and it is easier to move back.

- CULTURE + LANGUAGE: it is easier to integrate into a society with the same language and similar culture to your own.

- REAL AND PERCEIVED SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS: access to services leads to an improved standard of living.