By all appearances, migration has stepped up in the past two decades. Is it correct to say that migration is one of the problems of globalisation? What effect does this movement have on local economic growth? Does it contribute to sustainability in any way?

This paper reviews the facts behind today’s intensified movement around the world and suggests that, on the contrary, migration benefits sustainable development. It argues that national and international policies need to reflect its contribution and explicitly protect the rights of migrants.

Migration, both within a country and across borders, is not usually seen as desirable. Internal migrants are held responsible for the unmanageable growth of megacities in the south. International migrants are thought to increase unemployment in industrialised countries by undercutting local wages. They are also believed to benefit from welfare systems to which they seldom contribute. However, research by the International Institute For Environment and Development (IIED) shows the increasing benefit of migration to sustainability.

The paper suggests that for households in poor areas, remittances (money sent home by workers) improve security and, with the support of appropriate policies, can contribute to local economic growth. In industrial countries with ageing populations, migrant workers support national welfare systems and are an increasingly important part of the labour force.

Evidence shows that despite strict immigration controls and the difficulties of making a living in the cities of the south, people continue to move. It is vital, therefore, that a thorough understanding of migration is attempted. The paper outlines three key aspects: (1) the factors related to global changes in production and trade, which influence migration, (2) the opportunities and constraints specific to different groups, for example women and men, younger and older people, and (3) the contribution of migrants to their home areas and to their host communities.

Addressing these three areas, the paper highlights the following findings:

• Migration is difficult to quantify because of the large number of undocumented migrants. However, the consensus is that movement has increased and intensified in the last two decades.
• People move in a variety of directions – between different rural areas, from towns to countryside, from countryside to towns and from one town to another.
• ‘New’ groups of migrants are emerging, such as young, single women who move independently rather than for marriage or under the authority of older relatives and men.
• Policies designed to curb international migration usually only benefit illegal smugglers and employers who hire undocumented migrants to avoid complying with existing pay and working conditions and regulations.
• Policy-makers often ignore the fact that mobility is an important part of people’s lives.

A better understanding of the above factors can lead to more effective policies for sustainable development. The paper suggests that:

• Controls and restrictions on undocumented migrants are not the answer to the increase in ‘informal’ labour markets in the north.
• Policies should address how to increase labour market flexibility while maintaining and strengthening workers’ rights and improving working conditions.
• Remittances are important for households and communities but are often ignored in development policies.
• Better support in the form of services, training and infrastructure improves the capacity of migrants and their households to make productive investments in their home areas.
• Educated migrants have better jobs and earn more. Equitable access to assets such as land makes it easier for migrants to invest and return to their home areas, where they contribute new skills.

Source(s):
‘The Links Between Migration, Globalisation and Sustainable Development’, Opinion: World Summit on Sustainable Development, IIED in collaboration with the Regional and International Networking Group, RING, by Cecilia Tacoli and David Okali, 2001 Full document.

Funded by: Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (SIDA)

id21 Research Highlight: 13 January 2003

Further Information:
Tom Bigg
WSSD Co-ordinator
International Institute For Environment and Development
3 Endsleigh Street
London WC1H ODD
UK

Tel: + 44 (0)207 388 2117
Fax: + 44 (0)207 388 2836
Contact the contributor: wssd@iied.org

IIED (International Institute for Environment and Development), UK

Other related links:
'Responding to displacement: Balancing needs and rights' Insights #44

see id21's link page on migration issues

'Displaced priorities? The Three Gorges resettlement programme'