Impacts of migration

Impacts of migration on the migrant

Impacts of migration on the migrant

• International migration has long shaped global cultures and cities like New York, Paris, and London

• The World Bank (2012) noted that: 

• Some people argue that the effects of migration are harmful and that cultural identity is being lost through international and internal migration

Impacts on the migrants

Positive

• There are usually better jobs on arrival

• They have escaped from conflict

• Usually a better quality of life 

• A better education and job skills

• A sense of integration/hope

• Wider choice of job opportunities

• They can support their family back home through remittances

Negative

• They can run out of money and food

• There can be a language and cultural barrier

• Many migrants can be exploited

• There can be passport, visa or immigration issues

•  Problems with housing or accommodation upon arrival

• Illness: as there is often no available healthcare

• Lack of legal protection

• Remittances have the most positive impact on a country of origin, particularly developing countries such as Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Mexico

• Remittances are seen as 'globalisation bottom-up'

• They can make up as much as 20% of a country's annual GDP as well as:

  • Help decrease poverty

  • Create a multiplier effect and increase investment in an area

  • Soften the impact of a global recession 

• Major sources of remittances come from the USA, Germany, the UK, western Europe and the Persian Gulf

• The top 5 recipient countries for 2021 were India, China, Mexico, Philippines, and Egypt 

Impacts of migration on the country of origin

Impacts of migration on the country of origin

Impacts on country of origin

• The country of origin is the country that people leave when they migrate

• There are both positive and negative impacts on these countries

Positive

• Migrants may return with new skills

• Reduction in unemployment

• Less pressure on public services

• More resources available

• Remittances are a source of income and can boost local economy

• More cultural diversity when migrants return with new fashions/foods

• New political ideas

Negative

• Tax increases due to depopulation 

• Reduced workforce

• Brain-drain effect: less of a skilled workforce 

• Ageing population because migrants are often young people

• Depopulation in rural areas affecting agricultural output

• Slower economic growth

• Loss of traditions and culture

• Gender imbalance because most migrants are men

Impacts of migration on the destination country

Impacts of migration on the destination country

Impacts on country of destination

• The destination country is the country that migrants are moving to

• It is also known as the host country

• There are both positive and negative impacts on these countries

Positive

• More low-wage workers

• Migrants often do the '3D' jobs (dirty, dangerous and demanding)

• Job fulfilment

• Cultural enrichment

• Increased diversity

• Boost to local economy

• Skilled workers

• More balanced population structure, as migrants tend to be younger adults

Negative

• Job competition 

• Increased pressure on natural resources

• Increased pressure on public services

• Discrimination and racial tensions (immigrants seen as stealing jobs)

• Population increase

• Reduced average wages because migrants may work for lower wages