Migrants bring far more benefits to a country than problems, according to a report published today.
The World Migration Report 2005, published by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), is the first ever comprehensive study looking at the costs and benefits of international migration.
According to the report, concerns that surround migration such as loss of jobs, lower wages, increased welfare costs and the belief that migration is spiralling out of control, are not only exaggerated but are completely unfounded.
It shows that in a wide variety of jobs in Western Europe there is rarely direct competition between immigrants and local workers. Migrants occupy jobs at all skill levels, with particular concentration at the higher and lower ends of the market, often in work that nationals are either unable or unwilling to take.
In the UK, for example, a recent Home Office study calculated that in 1999-2000, migrants contributed $4 billion more in taxes than they received in benefits. In the US, the National Research Council estimated that national income had expanded by $8 billion in 1997 because of immigration.
"We are living in an increasingly globalized world which can no longer depend on domestic labour markets alone. This is a reality that has to be managed," said IOM Director General, Brunson McKinley. "If managed properly, migration can bring more benefits than costs. The 2005 World Migration Report illustrates this clearly."
Migrants represent 2.9 per cent of the global population. The UN Population Division estimates the migrant population in 2005 at between 185-192 million people – up from 175 million in 2000. Nearly half of them are female. However, the socio-economic and political visibility of migrants, especially in highly industrialised countries, is much greater than this percentage would suggest.
Economic migrants are not likely to be a drain on health and welfare services as they pay taxes. Non-economic migrants run the highest health risks and are less likely to seek medical attention.
The report stresses that this not only poses risks for the health of the migrant, but is also a public health concern and can contribute to fuelling sentiments of xenophobia and discrimination against all migrants.
At a time of growing resistance to migration in some receiving countries, the report highlights the need for effective policies of socio-economic inclusion of migrants into host communities, even on a temporary basis to maximise productivity.