Migration Matters #44

Global Remittance Flows, Voting Exclusions in the UK, Migrant Safety and Insurance, Colombo Process, Millionaire Migration, Student Visa Changes in Australia, Green Border & More!

Jul 05, 2024

Dear Reader,

We are excited to bring you yet another exciting edition of Migration Matters. Expect nothing but the most relevant and insightful trends from the world of migration - the stories that matter, the events that made headlines and exciting resources you can check out. As always, don’t forget to check out our Good Finds section for some hidden gems!

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Must Read

KNOMAD & World Bank’s latest Migration and Development Brief sheds light on global remittance flows in 2024

The World Bank's recent Migration and Development Brief offers valuable insights into global remittance trends in 2023 and the outlook for 2024-25. This analysis sheds light on the impact of the post-pandemic economic recovery on these vital financial flows, with an emphasis on labour market conditions in high-income OECD countries as a key driver. Here are some Key Takeaways from the report:

Mixed Bag for Global Remittances: While strong job markets in the US boosted flows to Latin America and the Caribbean, a 13% decline in remittances from the GCC dampened remittances elsewhere.
Lifeline or Bust: Remittances are crucial for low- and middle-income countries, with some (like Kenya) relying on them more than exports. The report warns of potential economic hardship for countries like Pakistan and North Africa if remittances decline.
South Asia: Moderate growth of 5.2% to $186 billion, driven by strong performances in India (7.5% increase to $120 billion). This is despite a slowdown from 2022's 12% surge, partly due to reduced GCC outflows.
High Costs: The average cost of sending $200 to South Asia rose to 5.8%, highlighting the need for more cost-effective remittance channels.
For India, strong labour markets in the US and Europe were a boon. However, decreasing outflows from GCC countries due to oil price fluctuations and production cuts suggest a need for diversification in remittance sources. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers to support migrant workers and stabilise remittance flows, which are vital for development in recipient countries.

Exploring Moral Economies in Migration Research

The special edition of the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies explores the tension between ethical values and economic realities, examining how they influence knowledge production. It highlights the impact of shared values and field conditions on research and tackles the debate around infrastructure, scholar identities, and conflicting viewpoints within Reflexive Migration Studies. By offering a unique interdisciplinary lens, the issue prompts a re-examination of core structures in migration research, ultimately aiming to harness its full critical potential.

Democracy Denied: Millions of UK Residents Silenced by Immigration Status

Millions of UK residents, including local officials and NHS doctors, are denied a voice in the upcoming election due to their immigration status. These residents contribute to society but face high costs and complex regulations that make it difficult to obtain citizenship and voting rights. This exclusion disenfranchises them on issues directly impacting them, like immigration policies. As the UK faces workforce shortages, particularly in migrant-dependent sectors like healthcare, this disparity highlights the need for a residency-based (instead of the current nationality-based system) voting system for a more inclusive democracy.

India

Two catastrophic fires reignite discussions on migrant safety and insurance
In Kuwait, a fire in a residential building claimed over 40 lives, mostly Indian nationals. The tragedy prompted swift diplomatic action, with India's external affairs minister expressing shock and dispatching a representative to oversee assistance. Concurrently, South Korea is grappling with the aftermath of a battery factory fire that killed 23 workers, predominantly Chinese. The incident has exposed the country's poor workplace safety record, particularly for foreign labourers. Both events highlight the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers in these nations, raising questions about labour policies, living conditions, and safety measures. It's important to raise awareness among migrant workers about insurance. The government's Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) 2017 currently provides Rs 10 lakh coverage for accidental death or permanent disability. The scheme also covers medical expenses up to Rs 1 lakh and family hospitalization in India up to Rs 50,000. Additional benefits include repatriation cover for medically unfit workers, legal expenses, and maternity benefits up to Rs 50,000. PBBY is mandatory for Indian workers going to Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries and offers global coverage regardless of employer and location.

Pioneering a New Era of Regional Cooperation and Migration Reform in the Colombo Process
India assumed the Chairmanship of the Colombo Process in May 2024 for the first time since its inception. It has outlined a comprehensive action plan to drive regional cooperation among the 12 Asian member states. Chairing the inaugural session at IOM HQs in Genenva, India presented its vision for revitalising the Colombo Process, emphasising India's commitment to advancing the objectives of the Colombo Process, enhancing collaboration, and optimising mutual benefits for both labour-sending and labour-receiving countries. India's priorities for the 2024-26 period include reviewing the financial sustainability of the Colombo Process, expanding membership to include new states and observers, reconfiguring technical-level collaborations, and implementing a structured rotation for the chairmanship. Furthermore, India aims to conduct a regional review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) and engage in dialogues with The Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) and other regional processes. Key initiatives focus on endorsing fair and ethical recruitment, promoting decent work, and enhancing the workforce's skills to meet global labour market demands. Established in 2003, the Colombo Process remains pivotal in facilitating dialogue and cooperation on labour migration governance and mobility.
Migrant Woes: TN Welfare Board Fails Workers (CAG Report)
A damning report by the CAG exposes flaws in Tamil Nadu's construction worker welfare. Migrant workers, estimated at 1.45 lakh in Chennai alone, are completely unregistered with the Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Welfare Board (TNCWWB), hindering welfare and raising concerns about misused funds. The report slams the board for a)Poor Registration: No migrant workers registered, hindering accurate Labour Cess collection. b) Financial Irregularities: Weak employer registration, raising concerns of undervalued construction costs and potential fund misuse. c) Lacklustre Support: Poor monitoring of skill development programs and weak implementation of crucial schemes like childcare and retirement savings. The CAG recommends a complete revamp of the TNCWWB, including building a robust migrant worker database, streamlining registration processes for both workers and employers, ensuring accurate construction cost assessments, and most importantly, significantly improving the implementation of crucial welfare schemes. This report highlights the need for immediate action to create a more efficient and inclusive welfare system for Tamil Nadu's migrant construction workers.
Streamlining Travel: India Introduces Fast Track Immigration for Trusted Travellers
This initiative, launched in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, aims to reduce congestion and improve travel efficiency. Indian citizens and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders can now apply online, submit biometrics, and pay a fee to gain access to dedicated lanes and e-gates at airports. This "skip the queue" program, similar to the US Global Entry Program, aims to create a smoother travel experience. The initial cost is Rs. 2,000 (adults), Rs. 1,000 (minors), or $100 (OCI), and the validity lasts for 5 years or passport expiry, whichever comes first. Foreign nationals are expected to be included in a future phase.

Global

Citizenship law reforms come into force in Germany
Germany has enacted significant changes to its citizenship laws, effective June 27, 2024. The reforms aim to make naturalisation more accessible and inclusive, particularly for long-term residents. Key changes include allowing multiple nationalities, reducing the required residency period from eight to five years, and offering an expedited three-year path for those demonstrating exceptional integration. Children born in Germany to foreign parents with long-term residency will now automatically receive citizenship. The "guest worker" generation will face simplified language requirements. These reforms are expected to boost naturalisation rates and foster greater integration.
Australia makes changes to student visa fees to curb migration
Australia has implemented significant changes to its international student visa policies, effective July 1, 2024. The visa fee has been more than doubled to AUD 1,600 ($1,068), making it costlier than competitor countries like the US and Canada. Additionally, temporary visa holders can no longer apply for student visas while in Australia. These measures aim to curb record-high migration rates and alleviate housing market pressure. The government has also increased the minimum savings requirement for student visas to AUD 29,710 ($19,576). These changes particularly affect Indian students, who form the second-largest group of international students in Australia. This change has come at the same time as declining student visa grants - of 30% in the first four months of 2024 compared to 2023.
Protection from Deportation for Undocumented Spouses Announced in the US
Following the restrictions to asylum imposed at the US-Mexico border earlier this month, US President Joe Biden has announced a new immigration policy that will provide legal protections to approximately 500,000 undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens who have been living in the country for over a decade. The programme, called "parole in place" will shield these individuals from deportation and offer a pathway to citizenship. To be eligible, applicants must have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years, be married to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024, and pass background checks. The policy also extends benefits to about 50,000 undocumented children of these spouses. Additionally, Biden announced measures to streamline work visa processes for DACA recipients with U.S. college degrees. While praised by immigration advocates, the policy faces potential legal challenges from the opposition who argue it incentivises irregular immigration.
Henley Private Health Migration Report 2024 Out
The report expects a record-breaking year for millionaire migration, with 128,000 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) expected to relocate globally. The UAE continues to be the top destination, attracting 6,700 millionaires, while the UK is found to be facing an unprecedented exodus of 9,500 wealthy individuals. These shifts in wealth migration patterns reflect changing global dynamics, economic uncertainties, and evolving tax policies. China continues to be the country with the largest millionaire outflow, with a projected net exit of 15,200 HNWIs. India, on the other hand, is projected to see 4,300 millionaires leave the country in 2024, ranking third globally in millionaire outflows. However, the country continues to produce more HNWIs than it is losing to emigration.
Climate Change and Migration: New Insights from Iraq
A new study by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) delves into the impact of Climate Change and environmental degradation on migration patterns in Iraq. The research identifies climate-affected subdistricts, revealing key migration trends such as demographic characteristics, reasons for leaving, intended destinations, and travel arrangements. Findings highlight central and southern Iraq as priority areas for climate adaptation programs, with potential emigrants often heading to neighbouring countries like Türkiye and Iran. The study also examines how financial means and social networks facilitate these journeys and underscores the risk of exploitation and abuse, calling for enhanced protection services and policy reforms.

Good Finds

Want to understand how cities and refugees shape each other? Dive into "Displacement Urbanism," a podcast by LSE's Dr. Romola Sanyal. Hear from experts and refugees themselves on how cities handle forced migration. From personal stories to policy debates, it offers a unique view of urban displacement. Find the latest episode on the UNHCR's refugee policies here.
Looking for a compelling immigrant story? Dive into "Dominicana" by Angie Cruz. Set in 1965, this novel follows 15-year-old Ana as she leaves the Dominican Republic for an arranged marriage in New York City. Cruz paints a poignant picture of a young woman caught between duty and desire, exploring themes of identity, freedom, and sacrifice. With vivid characters and a glimpse into the Dominican-American experience, "Dominicana" offers a touching portrayal of one woman's journey to find her place in a new world.
Check out “Green Border,” a gripping new drama from acclaimed director Agnieszka Holland. This black-and-white masterpiece tackles the refugee crisis on the Poland-Belarus border with raw intensity and stunning visuals. Following interconnected stories of desperate migrants, conflicted border guards, and determined activists, the film offers a powerful exploration of humanity in the face of political cruelty. With its urgent storytelling and remarkable performances, "Green Border" is a must-see that will leave you shaken and deeply moved.

Thank you. We will see you again next month!

Best Wishes,
The IMN Team

Research and Drafting: Tannishtha and Mihika
Editorial Support: Pooja Bhatia

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