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World Migration Report, 2018 - Geography Notes

World Migration Report, 2018 is the ninth edition of the World Migration Report. The World Migration Report contains data and information about human migration, as well as an analysis of complex and emerging migration issues. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has been publishing world migration reports since 2000 in order to contribute to a better understanding of migration around the world. Indeed, it is one of the IOM's most important contributions. This article will explain to you about the World Migration Report, 2018 which will be helpful in preparing Geography for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Features

Salient Features of World Migration Report 2018

  • Unlike the previous seven reports, which each focused on a single theme, the World Migration Report 2018 aims to provide both overview information and recommendations.
  • The overview information helps to explain migration patterns and processes, as well as insights and recommendations on major issues that policymakers are or will be grappling with within the near future.
  • The World Migration Report was restructured into two parts in the 2018 edition, the first published by IOM as the United Nations Migration Agency.
  • The first section explores the statistical data on migration in order to provide "key information on migration and migrants."
  • The second section is divided into several chapters, each of which contains a "balanced, evidence-based analysis of complex and emerging migration issues."
Other Relevant Links
Push & Pull Factors Responsible for migration Types of Migration
Migration pattern in world and India Issues related to migration
Background

Background

  • IOM first published the World Migration Report in 2000, with the goal of promoting "a better understanding of the major migratory movements that are occurring around the world."
  • The first edition attempted to accomplish this goal by providing an authoritative account of contemporary trends, issues, and problems in the field of international migration.
  • It combined a "review of trends in international migration in each major region of the world" with "a discussion of some of the most important migration policy issues confronting the international community."
  • Between 2003 and 2015, the following seven editions were published with specific thematic interests in mind.
International Organization for Migration

International Organization for Migration

  • The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization that collaborates with governmental, non-governmental, and intergovernmental partners to promote orderly and humane migration for the benefit of humanity.
  • It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has over one hundred offices around the world.
  • The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was founded in 1951 by the International Migration Conference in Brussels, Belgium, which established a Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants from Europe (PICMME).
  • The Inter-Governmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM) was established in 1952, and its activities were limited to population movements from Europe to North America, Latin America, and Oceania.
Summary

Summary

  • Asia accounted for nearly half of all international migrants,32 with the majority coming from India (the largest country of origin), China, and other South Asian countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
  • The second-largest country of origin was Mexico, followed by a number of European countries with large emigrant populations.
  • In 2018, developing countries hosted the vast majority of the world's estimated 25.9 million refugees (84 percent ).
  • Turkey and Germany were the only two non-developing countries among the top five refugee hosts, with the former hosting the world's largest number of refugees (3.7 million), many of whom are Syrians.
  • Following Turkey, Pakistan hosted around 1.4 million refugees (mostly Afghans), with Uganda hosting the third-largest number (1.1 million).

World Migration Report 2018

World Migration Report 2018

India & World Migration Report 2018

India And World Migration Report 2018

  • India sends out the most emigrants in the world—17.5 million, according to the World Migration Report and is thus a critical voice in immigrant integration.
  • As migrants migrate in search of better opportunities and education, an increase in immigration rates is an indicator of a country's growth and development trajectory.
  • Experts believe that as India develops and assumes leadership in the South Asian region in the coming decades, the integration of immigrants and their issues will become increasingly important.
  • According to the United Nations World Migration Report (2018), India has the world's largest diaspora, with slightly more than 15.6 million Indians living abroad.
  • More than 40% of international migrants were born in Asia, with India accounting for 17.5 million of them.
Conclusion

Conclusion

This particular report aimed to improve migration understanding by compiling a wealth of data, information, and analysis based on the organization's 65 years of field experience and the critical perspectives of migration experts. In the analysis and policymaking on migration, the report also called for greater recognition of the many interconnections. While the complex dynamics of migration will never be fully measured, understood, or regulated, there is a growing and improving body of data and evidence that can help make sense of the fundamental features of migration in a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected and interdependent.

Other Relevant Links
Geography Notes Human Geography
Human Resources Human Settlements
Human Development Neo - Determinism
Environmental Determinism Population Composition
Possibilism Economic Activities
Theories of Population Growth Demographic Transition
Demographic dividend Population Policies of India

FAQs

Question: What is the World Migration Report 2018?

Answer: The World Migration Report 2018, published by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), provides an overview of global migration trends, challenges, and opportunities. It highlights the patterns, drivers, and impacts of migration on both sending and receiving countries, offering insights into migration policies and governance at the international level.

Question: What are the key trends identified in the World Migration Report 2018?

Answer: Key trends identified in the report include the increasing number of international migrants, with a focus on the movement of refugees and displaced persons due to conflict and climate change. The report also highlights the growing role of cities as migration hubs and the changing demographic profile of migrant populations, including the rise of female migrants and skilled labor migration.

Question: How does the World Migration Report 2018 address the issue of migration governance?

Answer: The report emphasizes the importance of improving migration governance through international cooperation, effective policy frameworks, and the protection of migrant rights. It calls for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to manage migration and address the challenges related to border security, refugee protection, and labor mobility.

Question: What is the impact of climate change on migration according to the World Migration Report 2018?

Answer: According to the report, climate change is a significant driver of migration, with millions of people being displaced due to extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and rising sea levels. The report underscores the need for policies that address climate-induced migration and ensure the protection of those displaced by environmental factors.

Question: What recommendations does the World Migration Report 2018 provide to improve migration management?

Answer: The report recommends enhancing international cooperation, improving data collection on migration patterns, promoting the rights and welfare of migrants, and integrating migration into national development plans. It also advocates for policies that address both the challenges and benefits of migration, including social integration, labor market needs, and sustainable development.

MCQs

1. Who publishes the World Migration Report?

A) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

B) International Organization for Migration (IOM)

C) World Bank

D) International Labour Organization (ILO)

Answer: (B) See the Explanation

The World Migration Report is published by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration.

2. What is one of the key challenges in migration governance highlighted in the World Migration Report 2018?

A) Migration-induced brain drain

B) Lack of international cooperation and fragmented policies

C) Overpopulation in rural areas

D) Reduced mobility of skilled labor

Answer: (B) See the Explanation

The report highlights the lack of international cooperation and fragmented policies as key challenges in managing migration effectively, calling for a more coordinated global approach to migration governance.

3. How does the World Migration Report 2018 suggest addressing the impacts of climate change on migration?

A) By restricting migration from climate-affected regions

B) By creating new climate zones for displaced populations

C) By integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies into migration policies

D) By promoting climate-driven migration as a strategy for economic growth

Answer: (C) See the Explanation

The report suggests integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies into migration policies to address climate-induced displacement and protect the rights of affected populations.

4. What is one of the significant demographic changes in migration patterns highlighted by the report?

A) Increasing number of refugees from conflict zones

B) Rising number of female migrants

C) Migration only from developed countries

D) Increase in migration of the elderly population

Answer: (B) See the Explanation

The report highlights the rising number of female migrants, noting that women are increasingly migrating for work, education, and family reunification, contributing to a shift in migration demographics.

5. Which of the following is a key recommendation from the World Migration Report 2018 for improving migration management?

A) Restricting migration to prevent overcrowding

B) Integrating migration into national development plans

C) Encouraging migration to urban areas only

D) Promoting economic migration exclusively for skilled workers

Answer: (B) See the Explanation

The report recommends integrating migration into national development plans, recognizing its potential to contribute to sustainable development and economic growth, while addressing its challenges.

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Assess the impact of migration on the socio-economic development of both sending and receiving countries.

Answer: Migration has significant socio-economic impacts on both sending and receiving countries. For sending countries, migration can lead to remittances, which improve the economic conditions of families and contribute to national development. However, it can also result in a "brain drain," where skilled workers leave, impacting the local workforce. For receiving countries, migration provides labor for various sectors, such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare. Migrants often fill gaps in the labor market, contributing to economic growth. However, there can be social challenges, such as integration and cultural differences. Effective migration policies are needed to maximize the benefits and address the challenges of migration for both parties.

Q2: What role do international organizations play in managing global migration, and what challenges do they face?

Answer: International organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), play a key role in managing global migration. They provide support for displaced persons, ensure the protection of migrant rights, and facilitate international cooperation on migration issues. They also help countries develop effective migration policies and provide humanitarian aid to migrants in need. However, these organizations face challenges such as political resistance from governments, lack of resources, and the complex and multifaceted nature of migration, which involves economic, political, and environmental factors. Strengthening collaboration among governments, NGOs, and international organizations is essential for managing global migration effectively.

Q3: Discuss the link between climate change and migration. How can countries address the challenges posed by climate-induced migration?

Answer: Climate change is increasingly recognized as a driver of migration, as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changing weather patterns force people to relocate. This includes displacement due to floods, droughts, and other environmental disasters. Climate-induced migration poses significant challenges for both sending and receiving countries, including the need for improved infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and social integration. To address these challenges, countries should develop policies that address the root causes of climate change, integrate climate adaptation strategies into migration policies, and provide humanitarian support to affected populations. International cooperation is crucial for managing the impacts of climate change on migration and ensuring the protection of displaced people.

Previous Year Questions on Migration

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Which of the following is a significant driver of migration, as highlighted in the World Migration Report 2018?

A) Global economic downturn
B) Climate change and environmental factors
C) Political stability in receiving countries
D) Advances in technology

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The World Migration Report 2018 highlights climate change and environmental factors as significant drivers of migration, particularly in regions affected by extreme weather events and environmental degradation.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 2):

Question: "Analyze the challenges and opportunities presented by migration in the context of global socio-economic development."

Answer: Migration presents both challenges and opportunities for global socio-economic development. While it provides opportunities for economic growth, particularly through remittances and labor contributions, it also raises challenges related to integration, labor rights, and social cohesion. Migration policies must balance these factors to ensure the benefits of migration are maximized while addressing its associated challenges. Effective governance, international cooperation, and the protection of migrant rights are key to managing the complex dynamics of global migration.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.
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