Source: UN News: Friday, 08 May 2026 00:01 AM
Every year, a large number of people move away from their original place of residence due to better economic opportunities, violent conflict, search for security, environmental challenges or other reasons. According to a new report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), access to safe and regular routes is essential for migration, which plays an important role in economic progress and development. But imposing restrictions on migration can have a profound impact on the benefits derived from it. Migration continues to play a central role in the global economy. According to an estimate, by mid-2024 there will be a total of 304 million international migrants worldwide, which is about 3.7 percent of the world population. The number of migrants has increased with the passage of time. At the same time, the number of international migrant workers is also increasing. During the decade from 2013 to 2022, this number recorded a jump of 3 crores. Tweet URL
The UN agency released the ‘World Migration Report 2026’ in New York on Tuesday during the ‘International Migration Review Forum Week’. The report shows that migration supports labor markets, encourages innovation, and helps close skills gaps. However, imposing restrictions on safe and regular migration routes does not stop migration, but instead leads to increased use of irregular patterns and dangerous routes. This increases the risks to migrants and the costs to countries, while limiting the benefits of migration. The important contribution of migrantsRemittances from migrants are a major source of support for their communities of origin. In 2024, remittances were expected to reach $905 million, of which $685 million would go to low- and middle-income countries. This amount is more than the combined total of official development assistance and foreign direct investment. Amy Pope, Director-General of the UN Migration Agency, said that around the world, migration supports jobs, economic growth, stability and social cohesion. “Each country has the right to shape its own migration policies. But evidence shows that migration is better managed when countries cooperate regionally and globally.” “This builds public trust and delivers strong benefits to economies, communities and people moving from one place to another.” Changing migration trends The report shows that over time, while the number of international migrants has increased At the same time, changes in migration trends have also been seen in different areas. That is, there is not just one position on the issue of migration across the world and therefore it is important that measures have to be developed taking into account the realities of different regions. According to the report, access to migration opportunities is also unequal. These routes are expanding for people in high-income countries, while they are limited in lower-income countries. This has exacerbated existing inequalities in mobility opportunities globally. Because of this, labor mobility is slowing and the potential economic benefits from migration may decline. This situation comes at a time when the number of displacement cases around the world is at a record high. By the end of 2024, 120 million people were displaced in the world, including refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced people. But most cases of displacement occur within countries, not across their borders. Violent conflict, environmental pressures, systemic problems, and other challenges shape these trends. © IOM/Gema Cortés Migrants from Venezuela arrive at an International Organization for Migration (IOM) visitor center in Darien, Panama. Some practical measures According to the UN agency, mass displacement crises in many regions are protracted, and it is therefore important to combine humanitarian assistance with long-term development priorities. To ensure long-term sustainability of the contributions and benefits of migrants, the report suggests measures such as: expanding safe and regular migration routes reducing the cost of remittances Encouraging the movement of low-skilled workers also requires stronger regional cooperation, better data collection, and shaping of inclusive, evidence-based policies to better manage migration in a rapidly changing world.
