Impacts on the Destination & Origin of Migrants
- International migration is nothing new and has been a major aspect in shaping global cultures and cosmopolitan places such as New York, Paris and London
- The World Bank (2012) noted that:
‘The overall economic gains from international migration for sending countries, receiving countries, and the migrants themselves are substantial.’
- However, some people disagree that these impacts are a good thing, and that cultural identity is being lost through not just international migration but also internal migration
Impacts on Country of Destination
Positive | Negative |
More low-wage workers | Job competition |
Job fulfilment | Increased pressure on public services |
Increased diversity | Discrimination and racial tensions (immigrant seen as stealing jobs) |
Cultural enrichment | Increased pressure on natural resources |
Boost to local economy | Overcrowding |
Impacts on Country of Origin
Positive | Negative |
Migrants may return with new skills | Tax increase due to depopulation |
Reduction in unemployment | Reduction of workforce |
Less pressure on public services | Brain-drain effect - less of a skilled workforce |
More resources available | Ageing population with an outflow of young people |
Remittances are a source of income and can boost local economy | Depopulation in rural areas affecting agricultural output |