Lesson 8
Global Migration
How has conflict changed migration in the 21st century?
Conflict and persecution have increased number of refugees:
A refugee is someone who has moved outside his country or nationality
because of genuine fear of persecution or death. The number of refugees
worldwide increased from 15.7 million in 2012 to 19.5 million in 2014. In
2015, Syria had become the largest source of refugees, overtaking
Afghanistan which had held this position for three decades; Turkey was
the largest recipient. Of all refugees, 87.2% live in the global south. Other
refugees have embarked on longer and more complex journeys to reach
their planned destination in the EU. E.g., many Syrians which Aksaray, an
Istanbul neighbourhood where they live temporarily before making
contact with agents of the traffickers. The route to Europe depends to
some extent on their wealth; there is the less costly sea route with greater
risk or the more expensive but safer arrangement for fake possible and
direct flight.
The main reasons for the large number of refugees globally include:
- The effects of conflict, including personal safety, loss of homes,
access to services, damaged infrastructure including
communications
- Political persecution, discrimination, and violation of human rights
- Economic hardship including forced labour and modern slavery
- The impacts of natural hazards/ climate change
, Lesson 8
Global Migration
The crisis in Syria
in the second
decade of the 21st
century has been a
major factor in the
recent increase of
refugees. The civil
war which began in
march 2011, has
led to internal
displacement of
7.6 million people
and a further 4.7
million
international
refugees. A high
percentage of the
refugees have moved relatively short distances to countries which share a
border with Syria, Turkey and Lebanon on being the biggest recipients.
Residents of Kobani, Syria, for example have been living in tented camps
near Turkish border towns. The intention is to return to their
neighbourhoods and farmlands as soon as the border crossing is
reopened. Lebanon has been so overwhelmed by Syrian refugees that in
January 2015 the government imposed the need for an entry visa whereas
before this state, movement between the two countries largely
unrestricted. Syrians seeking work must be sponsored by a Lebanese
individual or company.
Changes in national immigration and emigration policies:
National migration policies are designed to meet the economic, social and
political needs of a country. E.g., some ACs such as the UK, Australia and
Canada use a points – based system to satisfy labour shortages in
particular sectors. In the developing world, some countries actively
encourage emigration, largely to assist in the development process
through the financial benefits of migrant remittances, and the skills, idea
and business contacts brought by returning migrants. Differing effects of
recent policy changes are illustrated by Pakistan and Canada.
Global Migration
How has conflict changed migration in the 21st century?
Conflict and persecution have increased number of refugees:
A refugee is someone who has moved outside his country or nationality
because of genuine fear of persecution or death. The number of refugees
worldwide increased from 15.7 million in 2012 to 19.5 million in 2014. In
2015, Syria had become the largest source of refugees, overtaking
Afghanistan which had held this position for three decades; Turkey was
the largest recipient. Of all refugees, 87.2% live in the global south. Other
refugees have embarked on longer and more complex journeys to reach
their planned destination in the EU. E.g., many Syrians which Aksaray, an
Istanbul neighbourhood where they live temporarily before making
contact with agents of the traffickers. The route to Europe depends to
some extent on their wealth; there is the less costly sea route with greater
risk or the more expensive but safer arrangement for fake possible and
direct flight.
The main reasons for the large number of refugees globally include:
- The effects of conflict, including personal safety, loss of homes,
access to services, damaged infrastructure including
communications
- Political persecution, discrimination, and violation of human rights
- Economic hardship including forced labour and modern slavery
- The impacts of natural hazards/ climate change
, Lesson 8
Global Migration
The crisis in Syria
in the second
decade of the 21st
century has been a
major factor in the
recent increase of
refugees. The civil
war which began in
march 2011, has
led to internal
displacement of
7.6 million people
and a further 4.7
million
international
refugees. A high
percentage of the
refugees have moved relatively short distances to countries which share a
border with Syria, Turkey and Lebanon on being the biggest recipients.
Residents of Kobani, Syria, for example have been living in tented camps
near Turkish border towns. The intention is to return to their
neighbourhoods and farmlands as soon as the border crossing is
reopened. Lebanon has been so overwhelmed by Syrian refugees that in
January 2015 the government imposed the need for an entry visa whereas
before this state, movement between the two countries largely
unrestricted. Syrians seeking work must be sponsored by a Lebanese
individual or company.
Changes in national immigration and emigration policies:
National migration policies are designed to meet the economic, social and
political needs of a country. E.g., some ACs such as the UK, Australia and
Canada use a points – based system to satisfy labour shortages in
particular sectors. In the developing world, some countries actively
encourage emigration, largely to assist in the development process
through the financial benefits of migrant remittances, and the skills, idea
and business contacts brought by returning migrants. Differing effects of
recent policy changes are illustrated by Pakistan and Canada.
