Effects of Changes in the Migration Pattern: Discerning Perils and Pitfalls

The effects of recession-driven changes in the configuration of migration and composition of the workforce could be manifold and mostly disturbing for both rich and poor countries. It has been noted that some of the seemingly short-term effects on migration and the policy responses to them could have an enduring effect, as was experienced in the years following the Great Depression. Likewise, as discussed, rising youth unemployment among migrants, combined with the increase (relative to labour migrants) in the flows of non-working age migrants and of those with low employment outcome due to entry through family reunification and refugee channels, as experienced in a number of the OECD countries during the present crisis, could have long lasting consequences. There are many more of such potential effects of the recession-driven changes in the migration pattern.