GE2406
GLOBAL POPULATION AND MOBILITY
In an increasingly interconnected world, the movement of people across international borders has become a
defining feature of global dynamics. Global migration, spanning a spectrum from economic mobility to
humanitarian refuge, underscores the complexities and interdependencies that shape societies today. As
individuals seek opportunities, safety, and new beginnings beyond their birthplace, the phenomenon of
migration resonates deeply within global narratives of human aspiration and resilience.
Global Migration
Global migration refers to the movement of people across borders for various reasons, including economic
opportunities, conflict, and environmental factors. Migration can be voluntary (e.g., vacations and reunions)
or forced (e.g., seeking employment, seeking asylum, or due to trafficking).
TYPE DEFINITION
Labor People move to other countries in search of better job opportunities, higher
wages, or improved working conditions. Economic disparities between countries
often drive this type of migration.
Family Reunification Individuals migrate to join family members who have already settled in another
country.
Asylum People flee their countries due to persecution, conflict, violence, or natural
disasters and seek refuge in other countries. They are protected under
international refugee law.
Environmental People migrate due to environmental factors such as droughts, flooding, sea-
level rise, or other environmental changes that affect their livelihoods.
Unauthorized (or Illegal) Some migrants enter countries without legal permission or overstaying visas,
often due to a lack of legal pathways for migration or economic desperation.
This can also be applied to victims of trafficking.
Factors and Impacts of Global Migration
Global migration is a significant aspect of globalization and has profound social, economic, political, and
cultural implications worldwide. There are several factors why people migrate to other locations.
FACTOR JUSTIFICATION
Economic Disparities Disparities in income, job opportunities, and living standards between countries
drive labor migration.
Politics Political instability, conflict, persecution, human rights violations, and lack of
political freedoms can force people to seek safety in other countries.
Environmental Changes Climate change and environmental degradation can lead to displacement and
migration as people seek more habitable and secure environments.
Society and Demography Demographic changes, such as aging populations in developed countries, can
drive demand for migrant labor in sectors like healthcare and eldercare.
05 Handout 2 *Property of STI
Page 1 of 3
GE2406
Migration leaves an impact on the countries people migrate into.
IMPACT JUSTIFICATION
Economy Migrants often contribute to the economies of both their host countries
(through labor and taxes) and their home countries (through remittances).
Cultural Diversity Migration enriches societies culturally by introducing new languages,
traditions, cuisines, and perspectives.
Labor Market Dynamics Migrants can fill labor shortages in certain sectors of the economy, but
they may also face exploitation and discrimination.
Social Integration Successful integration of migrants into host societies depends on policies
that promote inclusion and access to education, healthcare, and
employment opportunities.
Political and Policy Challenges Migration can pose challenges related to border control, security, social
cohesion, and public perception.
Trends and Patterns
Currently, there are significant migration flows from developing to developed countries and within similar
regions. Examples include migration from Latin America to the United States and from the Middle East and
Africa to Europe. In our country, there are major migrations between the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the
United Arab Emirates. These Filipinos are called Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) because labor is their
driving motivation to migrate.
However, our country also has its fair share of foreign expatriates who work solely for retirement.
There are inherent pros and cons between sending countries and receiving countries.
PROS CONS
Remittances sent by migrants can boost Loss of skilled labor (i.e., brain drain).
Sending Country
local economies.
Migrants contribute to economic growth, Potential challenges in integration, social
Receiving Country fill labor shortages, and enrich cultural cohesion, and pressure on public services.
diversity.
Global Governance and Cooperation
Addressing the challenges and opportunities of global migration requires international cooperation,
adherence to human rights principles, and the development of fair and effective migration policies at national
and international levels.
Migration Policies International Cooperation
Policies vary widely, with some countries adopting Efforts such as the Global Compact for Migration aim
open policies to attract talent while others impose to manage migration safely, orderly, and regularly.
strict immigration controls.
05 Handout 2 *Property of STI
Page 2 of 3
GE2406
References
United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2022). World Urbanization Prospects.
International Organization for Migration. (2023). World Migration Report.
World Bank. (2023). Global Economic Prospects.
Sassen, S. (2021). Cities in a World Economy. Sage Publications.
Cohen, R. (2022). Global Diasporas: An Introduction. Routledge.
05 Handout 2 *Property of STI
Page 3 of 3
