Upon return, migrants bring new skills to their country of origin (home country) such as the ability to speak foreign languages. These new skills can help to improve the economy.
Workers may send money home to families in their home nations, which can be an important source of income for these countries.
The creation of a multi-ethnic (culturally mixed) society increases understanding and tolerance of other cultures.
Negatives
Immigrants can face discrimination, or be accused of lowering wages or of being associated with crime.
When people emigrate from their home country, it can lead to a loss of well-educated young people (known as a ‘brain drain’). This can have negative impacts on population growth and development in the country of origin.
The migration of young families can cause a loss of cultural leadership and traditions in the country of origin.
Go to YouTube and search for ‘Pitching Up – The Guardian’ (15:28) to watch an interesting short documentary on what is called ‘Ireland’s most ethnically diverse town’. Before you watch it, guess which county this town is in.
Question Time
1. Name two network factors that have had an impact on migration. 2. Explain two positive and two negative impacts of migration for the migrant.