Legal migration to the world’s most affluent nations hit unprecedented levels in 2023, triggering significant voter resistance despite positive impacts on economic growth and employment creation.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports approximately 6.5 million individuals relocated to its 38 member countries through permanent migration channels last year, marking a substantial 10 per cent rise from the previous record of 6 million in 2022.
The United Kingdom emerged as the second-largest recipient of migrants after the United States, experiencing a remarkable net immigration of 750,000 individuals, predominantly driven by healthcare sector recruitment. The US maintained its position with 1.2 million permanent legal immigrants, whilst Canada, France, and Japan witnessed record-breaking immigration levels.
Economic analysts suggest this surge in cross-border movement has played a crucial role in helping wealthy economies recover from the post-pandemic inflationary crisis. Goldman Sachs research indicates that immigration accounted for nearly all employment gains in several nations, including Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the UK since early 2023.
The political landscape, however, reflects growing tensions. Every incumbent OECD government facing re-election experienced a decline in voter support, with many losing office entirely. The trend has prompted several traditionally migration-friendly nations to implement stricter entry regulations, with Canada, Australia, and the UK introducing measures to limit work-related migration and international student numbers.
Despite these restrictions, OECD experts emphasise that demographic realities, particularly ageing populations and persistent labour shortages in crucial sectors, make it challenging for many countries to significantly reduce legal migration. The situation presents a complex balancing act between economic necessities and political pressures, suggesting continued tensions in migration policy development.
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