Migrant contributions to the economy

Migration is the key to development. Migrant workers are more willing to take on low paid, low skilled jobs that entail long hours of engagement as opposed to resident populations. They use little of the destination areas resources, with limited access to basic amenities of housing, education, health care, water etc., while contributing significantly to the destination’s economy. The more skilled the migrant stream the better the economy—and vice versa, in an unending loop of cause and effect. However, this ancient process of human movement is often halted by nations big and small on grounds that range from religious and cultural resistance, to gleaning for proficiency in specific skill sets in the migrating population. This issue of G’nY is dedicated to how migration is inevitable and important. I would also like to thank Dr P C Mohanan for his insightful responses that point towards the qualitative issues of data documentation.