Introduction to World Migration Report UPSC

Welcome to Precrack! Recently, the International Organization of Migration has been released the World Migration Report 2024 & revealed many interesting data related to world migration, Migrating workers & international remittances. This is an crucial international report that reveals the ground reality related to migrant workers worldwide.

Why is World Migration Report 2024 in the News? – UPSC Current Affairs

The World Migration Report 2024 has garnered attention due to its revelation of significant global migration trends, particularly highlighting India’s prominence in receiving remittances. India’s reception of $111 billion in remittances in 2022, surpassing other major economies, underscores its crucial role in the global migrant workforce.

Details about World Migration Report 

We have added a complete set of details about the World Migration Report & World Migration Report 2024:

What is World Migration Report?

The World Migration Report is a flagship publication of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). It serves as a comprehensive analysis of global migration trends, patterns, and challenges.

What is Migration?

Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another, typically involving a change in residence or location. It can occur for various reasons, including economic opportunities, seeking better living conditions, escaping conflict or persecution, pursuing education, or reuniting with family members.

Common Reason Behind Migration of Population

Here are some common reasons behind the migration of population:

1. Economic Opportunities: People often migrate in search of better job prospects, higher wages, or entrepreneurial opportunities not available in their home regions.
2. Education: Individuals may migrate to pursue higher education or specialized training in fields not accessible in their home countries.
3. Conflict and Persecution: Forced migration occurs when people are compelled to flee their homes due to armed conflict, persecution, human rights violations, or ethnic/religious tensions.
4. Environmental Factors: Environmental disasters such as droughts, floods, hurricanes, or sea-level rise can force people to migrate in search of safer and more sustainable living conditions.
5. Family Reunification: Migration for family reunification involves individuals moving to join family members who have already migrated or to reunite with relatives living in another country.
6. Political Instability: Political unrest, authoritarian regimes, or lack of political freedoms can drive people to seek refuge in other countries where they feel safer and have more rights.
7. Better Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare services and medical treatment can also be a motivating factor for migration, particularly for individuals facing health challenges not adequately addressed in their home countries.
8. Urbanization: Rural-to-urban migration occurs as people move from rural areas to cities in search of better infrastructure, services, and employment opportunities.
9. Discrimination and Marginalization: Systemic discrimination, social exclusion, or lack of opportunities based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation can prompt individuals or groups to migrate in search of more inclusive societies.
10. Climate Change: Slow-onset environmental changes, such as desertification, deforestation, or loss of agricultural land due to climate change, can disrupt livelihoods and lead to migration as people seek alternative means of survival.

Global Migration Trends

We can understand the Recent Global Migration Trends with these points:

1. Increase in International Migrants: The global migrant population has risen steadily, reaching 281 million in 2024 compared to 150 million in 2000.
2. Rise in Remittances: International remittances have seen a substantial increase, growing from USD 128 billion in 2000 to USD 831 billion in 2024, indicating the economic significance of migration.
3. Rapid Growth in Refugee and IDP Numbers: The number of refugees has surged from 14 million in 2000 to 35.4 million in 2024, while internally displaced persons (IDPs) have increased from 21 million to 71.4 million over the same period.
4. Gender Distribution: Women constitute nearly half of all international migrants, indicating changing gender dynamics in migration patterns.
5. Youth Migration: The proportion of international migrants who are children has decreased from 16.0% in 2000 to 10.1% in 2024, reflecting changes in migration trends among younger populations.
6. Regional Patterns: Oceania remains the region with the highest proportion of international migrants, with the United Arab Emirates standing as the country with the highest proportion of international migrants.
7. Migrant Worker Numbers: The number of migrant workers globally stands at 169 million, highlighting the continued reliance on migrant labor in various sectors worldwide.

Drivers of Migration: Economic, Social, and Political Factors

These are the key Drivers of the Migration Globally:

1. Economic Opportunities and Remittances: India received $111 billion in remittances in 2022, highlighting the significant economic incentive for migration. Remittances serve as a lifeline for many in South Asia and contribute to the economic development of both sending and receiving countries.
2. Migrant Workforce in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries: Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait serve as significant destinations for migrant workers, particularly from South Asia. Economic opportunities in sectors like construction, hospitality, and retail attract migrants from countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to the GCC.
3. Gender Dynamics: India has a slightly higher share of female immigrants compared to males. However, in destinations like the Gulf countries, there is a significant gender imbalance, with a greater share of male migrants. This reflects the varying gender distribution in different migration corridors and sectors.
4. Impact of Globalization: The World Migration Report emphasizes the effects of globalization on migration patterns, with economic and trade processes enabling greater movement of labor, goods, and capital. Migration accelerates as part of broader globalization transformations.
5. Risks and Challenges: Despite the economic opportunities, migrant workers face various risks, including financial exploitation, excessive debt due to migration costs, xenophobia, and workplace abuses. These challenges underscore the need for better protection and support for migrant populations.
6. Migration Governance and Rights: The report highlights the importance of addressing rights violations and ensuring the protection of migrant rights, particularly in Gulf countries where rights violations are spotlighted, especially in the context of events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
7. Role of Gulf Countries in Remittances: Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar are among the largest sources of remittances globally, indicating the significant financial contributions of migrant workers to both their home countries and host economies.

What is Remittance?

Remittance refers to the transfer of money or resources by a migrant worker to their home country or to family members residing in their country of origin. These transfers typically occur across international borders and are often sent to support the financial needs of family members, including covering living expenses, education costs, healthcare expenses, or investments in businesses or property.

International Remittances

International remittances, crucial for low- and middle-income countries, surged to USD 831 billion in 2022, showing resilience post-pandemic. India led recipient nations with over USD 111 billion, while the USA topped as the major sender.

1. Global remittances reached USD 831 billion in 2022.
2. Low- and middle-income countries benefited significantly.
3. India received over USD 111 billion, leading all recipients.
4. India became the first country to cross the mark of $100 Billion in receiving international remittances.
5. The USA was the top sender with USD 79.15 billion.
6. Mexico, China, the Philippines, and France were other top recipients.
7. G7 countries France and Germany remained in the top 10.
8. Majority of inflows relate to cross-border workers’ salaries.
9. USA consistently leads as the top remittance-sending country.
10. Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Germany were other major senders.
11. China, though a recipient, also contributed significantly.
12. Remittances surpass official development assistance.
13. Remittances have grown since the mid-1990s.
14. India marks the first country to surpass the USD 100 billion mark.
15. UAE is among the top 10 senders globally.
16. Challenges persist in accurately measuring remittances due to data gaps.

Top 10 Countries Receiving Remittances (2010)

These are the Top 10 Countries Receiving Remittances of year 2010:

Top 10 Countries Receiving Remittances (2015)

These are the Top 10 Countries Receiving Remittances of year 2015:

Top 10 Countries Receiving Remittances (2020)

These are the Top 10 Countries Receiving Remittances of year 2020:

Top 10 Countries Receiving Remittances (2022)

These are the Top 10 Countries Receiving Remittances of year 2022:

Top 10 Countries Sending Remittances (2010)

These are the Top 10 Countries Sending Remittances of year 2010:

Top 10 Countries Sending Remittances (2015)

These are the Top 10 Countries Sending Remittances of year 2015:

Top 10 Countries Sending Remittances (2020)

These are the Top 10 Countries Sending Remittances of year 2020:

Top 10 Countries Sending Remittances (2022)

These are the Top 10 Countries Sending Remittances of year 2022:

Key Points of World Migration Report 2024 UPSC

These are the key points of World Migration Report 2024

1. 281 million international migrants existed globally in 2020, accounting for 3.6% of the world’s population.
2. Among international migrants, 135 million were females, and 146 million were males in 2020.
3. Approximately 28 million international child migrants were recorded globally in 2020.
4. There were 169 million migrant workers globally in 2019.
5. About 8,500 individuals were reported dead or missing globally in 2023.
6. USD 831 billion in international remittances was recorded globally in 2022.
7. Low- and middle-income countries received USD 647 billion in international remittances in 2022.
8. 117 million people were living in displacement globally at the end of 2022, including refugees, asylum-seekers, IDPs, and others.
9. Globally, there were 35.3 million refugees and 5.4 million asylum-seekers in 2022.
10. Additionally, 5.2 million others were displaced globally in 2022, mainly Venezuelans.
11. There were 71.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) globally in 2022, with 61.5 million due to conflict and violence and 8.7 million due to disasters.
12. The number of international migrants increased from 150 million in 2000 to 281 million in 2020.
13. The proportion of the world’s population that are migrants increased from 2.8% in 2000 to 3.6% in 2020.
14. The proportion of female international migrants slightly increased from 47.5% in 2000 to 48.0% in 2020.
15. The proportion of international migrants who are children decreased from 16.0% in 2000 to 10.1% in 2020.
16. Oceania remained the region with the highest proportion of international migrants.
17. The United Arab Emirates retained its position as the country with the highest proportion of international migrants.
18. The number of migrant workers increased to 169 million globally.
19. International remittances surged from USD 128 billion in 2000 to USD 831 billion in 2022.
20. The number of refugees increased from 14 million in 2000 to 35.4 million in 2022.
21. Internally displaced persons rose from 21 million in 2000 to 71.4 million in 2022.
22. Remittances are financial or in-kind transfers made by migrants to families or communities in their home countries.
23. Despite data gaps, global remittance trends indicate a significant increase, reflecting migration’s role in development.
24. The COVID-19 pandemic initially caused remittance concerns, but 2022 saw a rebound to USD 831 billion globally.
25. India led in remittances, receiving over USD 111 billion in 2022.
26. High-income countries predominantly serve as the main source of international remittances.
27. The United States consistently ranks as the top remittance-sending country, with USD 79.15 billion in outflows in 2022.
28. Other top remittance-sending countries include Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Germany.
29. China, classified as an upper-middle-income country, contributed significantly to international remittances in 2022.
30. The World Migration Report underscores the critical role of remittances in global migration and development.

World Migration Report 2024 UPSC Questions

Question-1: What is the World Migration Report?

Answer. The World Migration Report is a comprehensive publication released periodically by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), providing in-depth analysis and insights into global migration trends.

Question-2: What is the purpose of the World Migration Report?

Answer. The primary purpose of the World Migration Report is to serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, academics, and the general public by offering detailed information and analysis on various aspects of migration.

Question-3: How often is the World Migration Report released?

Answer. The World Migration Report is typically released periodically, although the exact frequency may vary. Historically, it has been published approximately every two to three years.

Question-4: What topics does the World Migration Report cover?

Answer. The World Migration Report covers a wide range of topics related to migration, including international migration flows, migrant demographics, labor migration, refugee movements, policy developments, and the socioeconomic impact of migration.

Question-5: Is the World Migration Report based on empirical data?

Answer. Yes, the World Migration Report relies on empirical data sourced from various reputable organizations, including national statistical offices, international organizations like the United Nations, and research institutions.

Question-6: Who publishes the World Migration Report?

Answer. The World Migration Report is published by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration.

Question-7: How can I access the World Migration Report?

Answer. The World Migration Report is typically made available online for free on the official website of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Additionally, printed copies may be available for purchase or distribution.

Question-8: How many international migrants were there globally in 2020?

Answer. In 2020, there were approximately 281 million international migrants worldwide, constituting about 3.6% of the global population.

Question-9: What proportion of international migrants were females in 2020?

Answer. Out of the total international migrant population in 2020, around 135 million were females, accounting for approximately 3.5% of the world’s female population.

Question-10: How many international migrant workers were there globally in 2019?

Answer. In 2019, there were an estimated 169 million migrant workers worldwide, highlighting the significant role of labor migration in the global economy.

Question-11: How many people were living in displacement globally at the end of 2022?

Answer. At the end of 2022, approximately 117 million people were living in displacement globally, including refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and others in need of international protection.

Question-12: How many refugees were there globally in 2022?

Answer. In 2022, the global refugee population stood at approximately 35.3 million, reflecting ongoing challenges and conflicts driving forced displacement worldwide.

Question-13: What was the total amount of international remittances globally in 2022?

Answer. The total amount of international remittances sent globally in 2022 reached USD 831 billion, indicating the significant financial contributions of migrants to their home countries.

Question-14: How much of international remittances in 2022 were received by low- and middle-income countries?

Answer. Low- and middle-income countries received a total of USD 647 billion in international remittances in 2022, underscoring the importance of remittances for economic development in these regions.

Question-15: How many internally displaced persons (IDPs) were there globally in 2022, and what were the main causes of displacement?

Answer. In 2022, there were approximately 71.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) worldwide, with 61.5 million displaced due to conflict and violence, and 8.7 million displaced due to disasters.

Question-16: What was the percentage increase in international remittances from 2000 to 2022?

Answer. International remittances experienced a significant increase from around USD 128 billion in 2000 to USD 831 billion in 2022, marking a growth of approximately 550% over the period.

Question-17: Which countries were the top remittance recipient nations in 2022, and what were their respective remittance amounts?

Answer. In 2022, India, Mexico, China, the Philippines, and France were the top five remittance recipient countries. India received more than USD 111 billion, followed by Mexico with USD 61.10 billion, China with USD 51.00 billion, the Philippines with USD 38.05 billion, and France with USD 30.04 billion.

Question-18: Which country was the top remittance-sending nation in 2022, and what was the total outflow of remittances from this country?

Answer. The United States of America was the top remittance-sending country in the world in 2022, with a total outflow of USD 79.15 billion, highlighting its significant role in global remittance flows.

Question-19: What was the total amount of international remittances sent by high-income countries in 2022?

Answer. High-income countries collectively sent a substantial amount of international remittances in 2022, contributing to the global flow of funds for development and support. The exact amount would be provided in the report.

Question-20: How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact international remittances in 2020, and how did remittance flows change in response to the pandemic?

Answer. The COVID-19 pandemic initially led to dire projections for international remittance flows. However, in 2020, there was a much more positive outcome, with remittance flows recovering from the dip caused by the pandemic. This recovery was partly due to a shift from informal channels to formal channels in response to COVID-19 immobility restrictions, among other factors.