Migration has always existed throughout human history, where people move from one country to another in search of better life and good standard of living. According to a report, people migrate for various reasons including economic, social, political or environmental. Due to globalisation, easy communication due to the Internet and easy modes of transport, many people move from one country to another for better lives.
If we speak about the migration in European countries many people not only from war-affected countries like Syria, Iran, Afghanistan or Iraq but also African countries seek asylum and better life opportunities and migrate. On the one hand, many people from Africa migrate to EU because there is a demand in EU for cheap labour in organised and unorganised sectors. While on the other hand, Europe is trying to check the increasing flow of migrants coming from Africa. If European countries really need to keep in control migrants from Africa they have to provide a helping hand to the African countries along with the governments there to eradicate extreme poverty, provide economic opportunities for the young population etc.
Migration is not only in the EU as other developed countries are flooded with refugees who are fleeing from their countries due to war or other political conflicts and seeking asylum and jobs. According to a report by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNHCR) around the world over 65 million people have been displaced abroad or within their own borders.
In the recent years, there has been a massive displacement of masses due to natural calamities, conflicts or due to political reasons, for example, the civil war which started in Syria in 2011 is still going on and a large number of people have been displaced and are migrating to different countries.
According to UNHCR in Syria itself, over 5.6 million people have fled since 2011, seeking safety in Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan and beyond. Millions more are displaced inside Syria and, as the war continues more people are fleeing from the country to take shelter in neighbouring countries. In the process of moving from one country to another through sea or by land, many have lost their lives.
There are many pros and cons for the host country and on countries of origin due to migration. According to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report international migrants many of whom are young can provide labour and those who come with expertise can help in the economic growth of the host country. Migration of people from different countries makes it a global market and improves scope for innovation, entrepreneurship, more tax payment and there is cultural diversity. Especially in European countries where the population is ageing and the markets are falling short of young labour, migrants or refugees can be used in the market force and help to accelerate the growth of the country. If we look at the disadvantages there can be security issues, a burden on public services, unemployment may rise if the inflow of migrants is in huge numbers in a particular country and there can be a rise in conflicts within the country.
Meanwhile, to deal with the migration issue President Donald Trump decided to set aside nearly $18 billion over the next 10 years to build or extend the long border wall separating the US from Mexico, providing an insight into how he will fulfill his signature 2016 presidential campaign pledge. Now, we can see as the far-right parties are in power in European countries and in the US the migration, refugee and immigration problems have worsened and there is a need for change of policies.
Also, there is lack of human rights-based system which is dealing with migrations and refugee issues.
Let’s hope soon the developed countries take a firm stand to end the war and adopt a humane approach towards migration and refugee crisis.
