Impacts of Migration (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Geography): Revision Note

Impacts of migration on the migrant

• International migration has long shaped global cultures and cities like New York, Paris, and London

• The World Bank (2012) noted that: 

• Some people argue that the effects of migration are harmful and that cultural identity is being lost through international and internal migration

Impacts on the migrants

Positive

• There are usually better jobs on arrival

• They have escaped from conflict

• Usually a better quality of life 

• A better education and job skills

• A sense of integration/hope

• Wider choice of job opportunities

• They can support their family back home through remittances

Negative

• They can run out of money and food

• There can be a language and cultural barrier

• Many migrants can be exploited

• There can be passport, visa or immigration issues

•  Problems with housing or accommodation upon arrival

• Illness: as there is often no available healthcare

• Lack of legal protection

• Remittances have the most positive impact on a country of origin, particularly developing countries such as Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Mexico

• Remittances are seen as 'globalisation bottom-up'

• They can make up as much as 20% of a country's annual GDP as well as:

  • Help decrease poverty

  • Create a multiplier effect and increase investment in an area

  • Soften the impact of a global recession 

• Major sources of remittances come from the USA, Germany, the UK, western Europe and the Persian Gulf

• The top 5 recipient countries for 2021 were India, China, Mexico, Philippines, and Egypt 

Impacts of migration on the country of origin

Impacts on country of origin

• The country of origin is the country that people leave when they migrate

• There are both positive and negative impacts on these countries

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

• More cultural diversity when migrants return with new fashions/foods

• New political ideas

Negative

• Tax increases due to depopulation 

• Reduced workforce

• Brain-drain effect: less of a skilled workforce 

• Ageing population because migrants are often young people

• Depopulation in rural areas affecting agricultural output

• Slower economic growth

• Loss of traditions and culture

• Gender imbalance because most migrants are men

Impacts of migration on the destination country

Impacts on country of destination

• The destination country is the country that migrants are moving to

• It is also known as the host country

• There are both positive and negative impacts on these countries

Positive

• More low-wage workers

• Migrants often do the '3D' jobs (dirty, dangerous and demanding)

• Job fulfilment

• Cultural enrichment

• Increased diversity

• Boost to local economy

• Skilled workers

• More balanced population structure, as migrants tend to be younger adults

Negative

• Job competition 

• Increased pressure on natural resources

• Increased pressure on public services

• Discrimination and racial tensions (immigrants seen as stealing jobs)

• Population increase

• Reduced average wages because migrants may work for lower wages