2024-11-14 13:33:00
Immigration has never been so marked in OECD countries. According to the latest report published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the year 2023 was synonymous with records, with an impressive influx of 6.5 million permanent migrants. A dynamic which is part of a general trend of increasing migratory movements, both permanent and temporary, in response to growing economic and demographic challenges.
An increase in migration to reconfigure the economy
The report, titled International migration outlook 2024reveals key trends regarding family and humanitarian migration. Indeed, family migrations increased by 18%, while migrations for humanitarian reasons increased by 20%. These figures highlight the importance of family ties and humanitarian crises in the context of migration decisions. We also see that job-related migration remained stable, with almost 1.2 million workers welcomed, similar to the 2022 figures.
“Many OECD countries are facing labor shortages and imminent demographic changes,” said Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD. These migrations have the effect of supporting economic growth, making it necessary to develop appropriate immigration programs to better manage flows.
A trend towards an increase in asylum seekers
The report also highlights the explosion in the number of asylum seekers, with 2.7 million new requests in 2023, an increase of 30% compared to the previous year. For the first time, the United States has surpassed all European OECD countries in asylum applications, welcoming more than a million new applications. The main countries of origin for applicants include Venezuela, Colombia, Syria and Afghanistan, illustrating the diversity of crises that force people to flee their countries.
This explosion of requests is putting the asylum systems of host countries to the test, while generating a need for adaptation both in terms of immigration policies and in terms of the resources made available for the integration of migrants.
Immigration, a driver of entrepreneurship and employment
Another interesting facet revealed by the report is the growing contribution of immigrants to entrepreneurship. In 2022, immigrants represented 17% of self-employed workers in the OECD, a significant increase compared to 11% in 2006. This dynamic demonstrates a key role of immigrants in job creation: for every ten additional immigrants in the active population, on average, two jobs are created.
The post-pandemic period has been marked by historic employment levels and record low unemployment rates. This favorable situation is an opportunity to be seized to further encourage labor immigration, essential to fill the shortages affecting many economic sectors.
Conclusion
These migratory trends reflect a changing world, with population flows that are redistributing the cards. OECD countries must not only welcome these new arrivals, but also adapt their policies to optimize the economic and social benefits of immigration. The situation offers as many challenges as opportunities, while highlighting the importance of strategic and human management of migration in a constantly evolving global context.
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What were the key motivations behind the significant increases in family and humanitarian migrations in OECD countries in 2023?
**Interview with Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mathias. The recent OECD report indicates a significant increase in migration patterns across member countries. Could you summarize the key findings regarding the influx of permanent migrants in 2023?
**Cormann:** Certainly! Our report highlights that 2023 marked a record year for migration in OECD countries, with 6.5 million permanent migrants entering these nations. This remarkable shift reflects broader economic and demographic challenges, emphasizing the ongoing trend towards increased migration.
**Editor:** Family and humanitarian migrations saw substantial increases as well, correct? What does this tell us about the motivations behind these movements?
**Cormann:** Absolutely. Family migrations rose by 18%, while humanitarian migrations surged by 20%. These figures illustrate that family connections and responses to humanitarian crises play a critical role in individuals’ migration decisions. People are not just moving for economic reasons; they are also driven by the desire to reunite with loved ones or escape dire situations.
**Editor:** The report mentioned that job-related migration remained stable. What does this indicate about labor dynamics in OECD countries?
**Cormann:** Even though we saw stability in job-related migration, that is still crucial for many economies. With nearly 1.2 million workers welcomed in 2023—similar to the previous year—it’s clear that countries are recognizing the need for labor to combat shortages driven by demographic changes. This stability underscores the importance of developing immigration policies that can effectively manage these labor needs.
**Editor:** A notable finding in the report is the significant rise in asylum seekers. Can you elaborate on this trend?
**Cormann:** Yes, there was indeed an explosion in asylum requests, with 2.7 million new applications in 2023—a staggering 30% increase from the previous year. For the first time, the United States has surpassed all European OECD countries in this regard, receiving over a million applications. This cluster of asylum seekers points to escalating global crises and highlights the urgent need for effective and humane responses from governments.
**Editor:** Lastly, given these trends, what recommendations does the OECD suggest for member countries to navigate these challenges?
**Cormann:** We emphasize the need for tailored immigration programs that can adapt to the evolving landscape of migration. This includes addressing labor shortages, supporting integration processes for new arrivals, and ensuring that humanitarian commitments are met. A proactive and comprehensive approach is essential to harness the benefits of migration while respecting the rights and needs of individuals.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mathias, for your insights on this pressing issue. It seems clear that managing migration effectively will require collaboration and innovation on the part of member countries.
**Cormann:** Thank you for having me. It’s a challenging time in the realm of migration, but with the right policies and frameworks, OECD countries can navigate these changes successfully.