2.2. What are the contemporary patterns of global migration?
1b. Current patterns of international migration are related to global patterns of socio-economic
development
How global migration can promote stability, growth & development through How global migration causes inequalities, conflicts & injustices through unequal flows of
flows of people, money, ideas & technology: people, money, ideas & technology:
Stability Inequalities
Migrant remittances are a source of foreign exchange which can Countries of origin lose a proportion of the young, vibrant & fittest element of the
contribute to economic stability of the recipient country labour force, this may contribute to downward economic spiral at local, regional &
Returning migrants, having acquired new ideas & values including national scales
democracy & equality, can contribute to peacebuilding & conflict Often it’s better educated that migrate = ‘brain drain’ & loss of human resources in
resolution the country of origin
Where there is ageing population, youthful migrant working populations The demographic selectiveness of international migration causes redistribution of
contribute to a more balanced age structure & population growth population of reproductive age, this influences crude birth rates in countries of
origin (decline) & destination (growth)
Economic growth
Migrant remittances can increase inequality between families who receive them &
The GDP & tax base of the host nation can be boosted by working those who don’t
migrants
Conflicts
Migrants as consumers themselves can stimulate local economies in a
host country, even opening up new markets in demand for food, Social conflict can develop between host communities & ‘newcomers’ – people of a
clothing, music etc particular culture or ethnic origin may find difficulty integrating perhaps because of
Migrants can fill skills gaps & shortages in the labour market of a host a language barrier
country at local & national scales Immigrant populations, especially if concentrated in specific areas, can place
Migrant remittances can supplement household income, stimulate pressure on service provision such as education, health & housing in the host
consumption, provide funds for local investment & stimulate local country
multiplier effect in the country of origin of the migrants International borders can be areas of conflict for border control authorities,
traffickers & illegal migrants
Development
Injustices
Skills & knowledge acquired by returning migrants can be of benefit to
countries of origin Migrants are vulnerable to violation of their human rights as a result of forced
Migrants can create networks which ease flows of skills, financial labour, exploitation of women & children & human trafficking
resources, values & ideas through their links to diaspora associations, Treatment of asylum seekers can include being held in detention centres, not being
including professional, business, social & religious networks allowed to work & being supported on meagre financial resources for food,
UN ‘migration & development’ projects between partner countries are sanitation & clothing for the duration of application
involving families, local authorities & public & private service providers The plight of refugees in terms of shelter, food, water, medicines & safety, including
in effective bottom-up approaches to development possibility of return to country of origin where risks are high
