A new study has confirmed what many experts have long believed – that migration is good for a country’s economic prospects.
The study, which was summarized for a post on the World Economic Forum website, looked at how immigration effects population and income for the receiving country as well as how emigration effects population and the economy (through funds sent back home to the native country).
On the whole, most countries with high immigration levels fared better economically than those with high emigration and not a lot of immigration. The study also found that overall migration had a positive effect because the immigrant is able to contribute to both countries (through productivity and taxes in the host country and by sending funds back home to relatives or friends).
The authors point out that their findings fit with theories long held by economists. The benefits make sense, as migrants usually are motivated to move for economic reasons.
The findings come at an interesting time as more and more global leaders have been trying to balance an increased competition for skilled workers with an increasing backlash at home against more open immigration policies. The study could certainly help convince concerned constituents that immigration is, indeed, beneficial in the long term.
Source: Globe and Mail
