Since the past, humanity has been on the move. Some people move in search of employment or economic opportunity, to join family, or to study. Others move to escape conflict, persecution or large-scale human rights violations. Yet others move in response to the adverse effects of climate change, natural disasters or other environmental factors.
Migration has become an undeniable reality of our contemporary world, especially in the context of the developing countries. With more individuals relocating than ever before. The recent publication of the OECD’s International Migration Outlook sheds light on this burgeoning phenomenon, highlighting a multitude of factors contributing to the escalation of migrant numbers.
In 2022, migration flows to OECD countries surged to unprecedented levels, driven by a confluence of structural and immediate factors. The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with the reopening of borders, facilitated a resurgence in admissions, particularly in Asia and Oceania. Moreover, heightened demand for labor, notably in Europe and North America, further propelled migration trends. Policy reforms in countries like Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom, alongside fierce competition to attract skilled talent, and confront the ageing issues of their population also bolstered migration figures.
During 2022, Permanent migration to OECD nations experienced an extraordinary surge, soaring by 26% and reaching its zenith since 2005. Remarkably, 15 member countries of the OECD witnessed their highest levels of permanent migration in over a decade. This surge was further accentuated by the arrival of 4.7 million displaced Ukrainians, showcasing the immense global implications of migration challenges. Notably, Germany, Poland, and the United States emerged as primary destinations for these displaced individuals, highlighting the widespread impact of migration trends across the globe.
Temporary labor migration and international student enrollment also witnessed remarkable upsurges, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The issuance of work permits in OECD countries, excluding Poland, surged by 77%, while tertiary-level student permits spiked by 42%. Concurrently, asylum applications reached a record high, with over 2 million new applications, largely driven by escalating numbers in the United States.
In the context of Sri Lanka, recent data from Sri Lankan authorities reveals a significant migration of people from the country over the past year, driven by economic turmoil and ongoing uncertainty. This highlights a soaring demand among Sri Lankans to seek opportunities abroad.
According to the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau, over 300,000 individuals left the country in 2022 with secured overseas employment, marking a historic high. However, the actual number departing is likely higher, as only unskilled and semi-skilled workers are required to register with the bureau. Additionally, nearly 900,000 passports were issued last year, indicating a staggering 129% surge in one year, suggesting a significant outflow of skilled professionals alias “Brain Drain”.
In the medical field alone, over 600 doctors, including specialists, departed Sri Lanka in 2022, exacerbating the strain on healthcare services. The Ministry of Health is inundated with migration applications from doctors daily, further exacerbating the crisis in rural hospitals facing severe staff shortages. Reports also indicate a departure of skilled workers across various sectors such as IT, finance, tourism, and academia, leading to the green signals of closure of these sectors.
There are concerns that Sri Lanka is facing a major brain drain amidst mounting challenges including shortages of essential goods, inflation, and new taxes. Meanwhile, the government is actively promoting migration for work, introducing schemes such as allowing public sector doctors to take extended unpaid leave in exchange for remittances abroad. This situation can be seen in the other sectors as well. This strategy aims to alleviate the strain on the public sector wage bill while boosting remittances to bolster foreign currency reserves.
Despite some positive signs, people’s feelings about migration are still divided in many places due to fears and biases. However, the OECD report highlights that most migration is handled safely and responsibly, following international agreements and economic needs.
Looking forward, the report emphasizes the imperative of maximizing the potential of migration while minimizing vulnerabilities and risks. It offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating that key destination countries can absorb increased immigrant populations without adverse socio-economic impacts.
In conclusion, migration is not merely a challenge but a testament to the interconnectedness of our global community. By embracing migration as a force for positive change, we can harness its potential to foster inclusive societies and drive sustainable development.
In short, migration is here to stay, and with the right approach, it can be a force for good.