Regular Migration to Developed Countries: Record Numbers in 2023
Migration to the most developed countries reached an all-time high in 2023, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). With 6.5 million new permanent migrants across its 38 member countries, this figure represents a 10% increase compared to 2022.
Top Destinations and Striking Figures
The United States led as the primary destination with 1.2 million new regular immigrants, the highest number since 2006. Other countries reporting significant increases included the United Kingdom (747,000 arrivals), Canada (472,000), and France (298,000). However, countries like Italy and Denmark saw a decline in migration figures.
Factors Driving Migration
The report highlights that aging populations and labor shortages in many economies have boosted the demand for foreign workers. Additionally, family migration accounted for 43% of new migration flows, possibly due to delays in family reunifications during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Labor Migration and Opportunities
While labor migration remained stable, the report emphasizes that migrants are finding opportunities both in formal jobs and through entrepreneurship. Between 2011 and 2021, businesses founded by migrants created nearly four million jobs in OECD countries.
However, many migrant workers face challenges such as employment in the informal economy or less stable working conditions compared to local peers.
Humanitarian Protection
The report also highlights a 20% increase in the number of people protected for humanitarian reasons, particularly refugees from conflict zones like Ukraine.
Challenges and Opportunities
OECD Employment Director Stefano Scarpetta underscored the importance of managing migration flows in a regular and orderly manner to maximize benefits for both host countries and migrants. In an environment where economies face significant demographic shifts, migrants represent not just challenges but also opportunities for sustainable growth.
Conclusion
The increase in regular migration reflects complex global dynamics that demand well-designed policies to ensure effective and fair integration. The report’s data underscores the need for a balanced approach that addresses the labor needs of developed countries while safeguarding the rights and opportunities of migrants.
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