Why migration is a model for sustainable development for all

Migration is as old as humanity itself. Throughout history, people have migrated in search of better lives, to flee conflict or seek safety, or simply to find new opportunities. Yet with migration hitting record numbers, a new and more comprehensive approach is needed to address the complex and multifaceted issues that compel people to move today.

It may surprise people that most migration is regular, safe and orderly – regionally focused and often directly connected to work. What captures attention in headlines is just part of the story.

But it’s also true that climate change, conflict, political instability and economic disparities are driving even more migration as people conclude they have little choice but to find safety and livelihoods elsewhere. The impact of climate change is becoming particularly prominent, now causing more new displacements annually than conflict.

Nevertheless, the fact is that well-managed migration is a solution to some of the world’s most important challenges.

For centuries, migration has been a major driver of development and prosperity. International remittances to low- and middle-income countries are now at about $670 billion, which is more than direct foreign investment and far more than official development assistance to those countries.

Many regions, such as Eastern Africa, are now investing in regional frameworks that cover trade and migration because the free movement of people and goods can bring sustained, inclusive economic growth and productive employment.

In addition, global demographic shifts and economic transformations underpin the need for migration. The International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) 2022 report Migration Matters: A Human Cause with a $20 Trillion Business Case, developed in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group, showed that 30 million vacant jobs across the world's 30 largest economies, translating to a staggering $1.3 trillion annual loss for businesses.

Ageing populations are going to exacerbate these labour shortages. By 2050, countries such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal are projected to have nearly 40% of their populations over the age of 65.

Meanwhile, 90% of the 1.8 billion young people aged 10-24 – the largest youth generation in the world’s history – live in developing countries. In Africa, where 70% of the population is under 30 and 40% are under 14, there is a stark scarcity of job opportunities. Six of the top 10 countries with the highest youth unemployment rates are in Africa.

Developing countries need sustainable and reliable financial support from a variety of sectors to boost resilience and growth. But another key part of solving this economic challenge is to link available talent with available job opportunities, wherever they may be in the world.

There are some nascent programmes that do this, such as the Talent Beyond Boundaries project, but these need to be expanded. Plus, we need sustained investment in skills development and greater access to migration pathways.

The evidence shows that if we focus on expanding regular pathways for migration, the world would realize a multitude of benefits, including:

IOM cannot and should not do this alone. To realize these benefits, we need partnerships with and the active involvement of all stakeholders, especially the private sector, including employers, recruitment agencies and training institutions.

For its part, IOM will ensure the active participation of migrants themselves. We are committed to amplifying their voices and incorporating their expertise.

This overall approach solves far more migration challenges than relying on enforcement. It can change the narrative about migration, to help more people understand that migration can and does drive positive economic, social and cultural outcomes.

There are millions of people with the skills, talent, and experience to work, but there are insufficient pathways for them to migrate regularly to find greater opportunity. Mobility is part of the solution. At IOM, we are working constantly to help deliver these solutions, so the world can harness the promise of migration and make it work for all.