5.3

• What is neo-liberalism and how does it relate to globalisation and migration?

  Neo-liberalism supports freer flows of people, capital, and trade. It includes trade liberalisation (removing tariffs, subsidies, and restrictions), deregulated financial markets (freedom to invest and move capital), and open borders—all of which reduce the importance of national boundaries and increase global migration.
• How does globalisation affect national identity and sovereignty?

  National identity refers to a shared sense of belonging and values, which can be challenged by immigration as different cultures enter. Sovereignty—the authority of a state to govern—can be weakened by global forces, as seen in the UK’s 2016 Brexit vote, where loss of sovereignty due to EU membership was a key concern.
• Why are open borders controversial and what has been the political impact in Europe?

  Open borders can lead to public resentment over perceived threats to national identity, especially when immigration is high. This has contributed to the rise of extreme political parties across Europe and tensions between countries dealing with large migrant inflows, such as Greece, Turkey, and Balkan nations during the Syrian refugee crisis.
• What are the main social impacts of migration on host and source areas?

  In destination cities, internal migration can lead to rising house prices, pressure on healthcare services, and falling wages. Meanwhile, regions losing people may face skill shortages and ageing populations. Despite restrictions, people continue to migrate in large numbers globally.
• What happened during the Mediterranean migration crisis starting in 2015?

  In 2015, around 1 million people fled North Africa and the Middle East, with 340,000 arriving in Europe in 2016. Overcrowded boats operated by smugglers led to many deaths. Between 2015–2023, 63% of arrivals came from Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine. Thousands of Syrians crossed into Greece daily due to the civil war.
• How has migration from the EU to the UK evolved since the 1990s?

  From 1993 to 2016, about 2.5 million EU nationals became UK residents, especially from Eastern Europe after their countries joined the EU in 2004. In 2022, the UK saw a net migration of 606,000 people—double the 2019 figure—including 46,000 Channel crossings, with 75% claiming asylum, many from Albania, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.
• What are the main trends and reasons behind internal UK migration?

  Deindustrialisation in northern regions has pushed people south for work, with 10% of the population moving yearly. Footloose jobs like IT and electrical engineering have drawn workers to London. Urban regeneration has attracted young professionals to cities, while older adults often move to rural areas for family life or retirement.