Migration & Development
Summary from the required literature by Mel:
Migration and Global Development. Colleges.
Utrecht University (2024) Niveau 3 / Bachelor gevorderd
Introduction
Migration refers to a change in residence, which can occur internally or internationally.
Development is a multidimensional process aimed at improving the quality of life, including social and
environmental progress. It encompasses large-scale, policy-driven initiatives (Big D) and organic
social changes (small d).
Definitions:
UN: An international migrant is someone who crosses an international border and stays for at
least 12 months.
IOM: Migration includes any change in habitual residence across a border, regardless of
duration.
Migration is more than movement; it involves reasons, duration, and broader impacts on individuals
and communities. Migration and development have a reciprocal relationship, presenting both
opportunities and challenges:
1. Migration as a Result of Development: Economic growth often demands migrant labor.
2. Migration as a Driver of Development: Migrants contribute to destination countries through
skills and innovation and support their communities of origin through remittances.
Contrary to the assumption that development reduces migration, evidence suggests that development
initially enables more migration by raising aspirations and financial capacity. Migration often
dominates within national borders, primarily from rural to urban areas. It also maintains strong trans-
local ties, shaping local economies through remittances and knowledge transfer.
Labour Mobility and Migration
Labour mobility includes various forms, such as rural-urban, formal-informal, skilled-unskilled, and
regulated-unregulated migration.
In the EU, labour mobility addresses skill shortages and demographic challenges like aging
populations. However, barriers such as pension systems, healthcare access, and diploma recognition
persist. By 2030, the EU is expected to face a shortage of 20-30 million workers.
Non-EU Migrants:
Often face stricter regulations than intra-EU migrants.
The Blue Card system aims to attract skilled workers but faces inconsistent implementation.
Case Studies:
1. Polish Workers in the Netherlands: Precarious employment linked to segregation and
inequality.
2. Non-EU Workers in Spain: Exploited in agriculture, often enduring extreme precarity in
housing and labor rights.
Summary from the required literature by Mel:
Migration and Global Development. Colleges.
Utrecht University (2024) Niveau 3 / Bachelor gevorderd
Introduction
Migration refers to a change in residence, which can occur internally or internationally.
Development is a multidimensional process aimed at improving the quality of life, including social and
environmental progress. It encompasses large-scale, policy-driven initiatives (Big D) and organic
social changes (small d).
Definitions:
UN: An international migrant is someone who crosses an international border and stays for at
least 12 months.
IOM: Migration includes any change in habitual residence across a border, regardless of
duration.
Migration is more than movement; it involves reasons, duration, and broader impacts on individuals
and communities. Migration and development have a reciprocal relationship, presenting both
opportunities and challenges:
1. Migration as a Result of Development: Economic growth often demands migrant labor.
2. Migration as a Driver of Development: Migrants contribute to destination countries through
skills and innovation and support their communities of origin through remittances.
Contrary to the assumption that development reduces migration, evidence suggests that development
initially enables more migration by raising aspirations and financial capacity. Migration often
dominates within national borders, primarily from rural to urban areas. It also maintains strong trans-
local ties, shaping local economies through remittances and knowledge transfer.
Labour Mobility and Migration
Labour mobility includes various forms, such as rural-urban, formal-informal, skilled-unskilled, and
regulated-unregulated migration.
In the EU, labour mobility addresses skill shortages and demographic challenges like aging
populations. However, barriers such as pension systems, healthcare access, and diploma recognition
persist. By 2030, the EU is expected to face a shortage of 20-30 million workers.
Non-EU Migrants:
Often face stricter regulations than intra-EU migrants.
The Blue Card system aims to attract skilled workers but faces inconsistent implementation.
Case Studies:
1. Polish Workers in the Netherlands: Precarious employment linked to segregation and
inequality.
2. Non-EU Workers in Spain: Exploited in agriculture, often enduring extreme precarity in
housing and labor rights.
