2. Impacts of Migration

• 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): 'The overall economic gains from international migration for sending countries, receiving countries, and the migrants themselves are substantial.'
• 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

  • More low-wage workers
  • Job fulfilment
  • Increased diversity
  • Cultural enrichment
  • Boost to local economy
• Impacts on Country of Destination - Negative

  • Job competition
  • Increased pressure on public services
  • Discrimination and racial tensions (immigrant seen as stealing jobs)
  • Increased pressure on natural resources
  • Overcrowding
• Impacts on Country of Origin - 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
• Impacts on Country of Origin - Negative

  • Tax increase due to depopulation
  • Reduction of workforce
  • Brain-drain effect - less of a skilled workforce
  • Ageing population with an outflow of young people
  • Depopulation in rural areas affecting agricultural output
• Impacts on Migrants Themselves - Positive


  • Better job on arrival
  • Escape from conflict
  • Better quality of life
  • A better education and job skills
  • A sense of integration/ hope
  • Wider choice of job opportunities
  • Support family in country of origin through remittances
• Impacts on Migrants Themselves - Negative

  • Running out of money
  • Language barriers and cultural assimilation
  • Exploitation
  • Passport, visa or immigration issues
  • Weather conditions - unsuitable clothing
  • Problems with housing or accommodation upon arrival
  • Illness - as there is often no available health care
• Remittances are the most positive impact on a country of origin, particularly developing countries such as Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Mexico
• Remittances


  Globalisation bottom up, can account for as much as 20% annual GDP, help decrease poverty, create a multiplier effect and increase investment, soften the impact of a global recession
• Major sources of remittances

  • USA
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Western Europe
  • Persian Gulf
• Top 5 recipient countries for 2021

  • India
  • China
  • Mexico
  • Philippines
  • Egypt