Impacts of Migration (Cambridge International IGCSE Geography)

Specification link

This page covers section 6.3.3 of the CIE IGCSE specification .

• 6.3.3- The impacts of migration on the migrant, their country of origin and the destination country.

Impacts of migration on the migrant

Spec point — The impacts of migration on the migrant, their country of origin and the destination country.

• International migration has long shaped global cultures and cities like New York, Paris, and London
• The World Bank(2012) noted that:

blockquote ‘The overall economic gains from international migration for sending countries, receiving countries, and the migrants themselves are substantial.’

• 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

Spec point — The impacts of migration on the migrant, their country of origin and the destination country.

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

Spec point — The impacts of migration on the migrant, their country of origin and 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