Migration
Throughout the ages, people have chosen, for various reasons, to leave their countries of origin to seek a better future elsewhere. Fundamentally, this is a positive impulse that should be welcomed. Managed well, migration can benefit everyone - both the individuals who migrate and their countries of origin and destination.
In their country of destination, migrants help meet labour needs, and thereby contribute to increasing economic growth. They also bring values and approaches from their countries of origin that benefit cultural diversity, broaden outlooks and encourage new ways of thinking. By returning to their country of origin, temporarily or permanently, migrants transfer knowledge and experience that can help inject new energy into the country's economy and social capital. Transfers of private money (known as remittances) by migrants to developing countries increase the diversity of household incomes, provide a buffer against risks, facilitate education and investments in health and are a source of capital to establish small businesses. Individual migrants' and immigrant groups' contacts in the business sector and trade also offer great potential for development.
