MIGRATION TENDS to get a bad press, especially in recessionary times. Media often resort to easy stereotypes about how migrant workers scrounge, steal jobs or depress wages and call for repressive measures to ensure borders are kept closed.
Such views reflect deep social prejudices and fears. It is therefore salutary to be reminded of some basic realities about the subject which are much more positive for host societies and migrants alike. That is the main theme of this year’s Human Development Report from the United Nations Development Programme.
About one-fifth of the world’s population are migrants, but most of them (an estimated 740 million) are internal rather than international (214 million). Of the latter group only a minority moves from developing to the most developed states, since most travel to neighbouring states which are somewhat more developed. It tends to be the younger, more active and better educated or resourced who migrate rather than the poorest. The overall impact is positive both ways. Migrants typically boost economic output in their adopted countries, where they normally fit in and participate surprisingly well. Their remittances bring not only income to their families but broader social transfers which benefit women, health and schooling especially.
There is much regional variation within such broad brushstroke findings, of course, which this report readily recognises. Recessionary times make it all the more difficult for its more favourable arguments to gain the attention they deserve. But a strong case is made that now is precisely the time to think constructively about how migration policies can be developed in future to take account of changing demographic realities, welfare concerns and economic needs. Looking forward to 2050, for example, the report finds that Europe’s population, on current trends, will fall by 23 per cent compared to now. In that case inward migration will be essential if standards of living are to be maintained.
The report calls for action in several related fields so that governments can formulate policy more effectively and populations adjust to movements of people more harmoniously. It wants to see existing channels of movement opened to more workers. They should be provided with basic services and rights, including easier seasonal movement and longer-term settlement prospects. Migration and development are closely related and should be planned together. These are feasible reforms even if they will require courage to implement.