The Impacts of Migration: Source (Origin) and Host (Destination) Countries

Case StudyEastern European Migrants to UK

(International Migration)

THE A8 Countries or Accession Countries

• Or the Eastern European Countries that joined the EU between 2004 and 2008 there has been a considerable rise in the number of immigrants from these countries:

• Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary.

Profile Of An A8 Immigrant

• Between the ages of 18 and 34. • 94% no dependents living with them in the UK. • Only 4% had dependents under the age of 17

with them.• Disproportionately male; • The number of migrant workers from A8 countries

claiming income-related benefits remains low. • Only 1,913 applications for Income Support and

Jobseeker's Allowance were processed in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Migration – Economic Migrants From The A8 countries

Country Of Destination

Pull Factors

Benefits of Migration to Country

Consequences of Migration to Country

Push Factors

Benefits of Migration to Country

Consequences of Migration to Country

Country Of Origin

Push FactorThe Nature Of Origin

(SOURCE)• Lack of employment opportunity and

lower salaries particularly in the graduate professions in A8 countries (doctors, nurses, teachers).

• Lack of adequate facilities and infrastructure that have a detrimental effect on quality of life e.g. education, healthcare due to low government investment.

• Family already established in another place.

Pull Factor The Nature of Destination

(HOST)• Employment opportunity (e.g.

doctors and medical professionals from Eastern Europe to the UK).

• Quality of life (The UK is considered to offer a good quality of life due to a well respected education and university system (Oxbridge) and free health care).

• Positive media coverage (e.g. television, film).

Positive Effects To Country Of Origin

• It can lower unemployment levels within that country in certain sectors.

• It reduces strain on welfare and benefit systems.

• Reduces pressure on amenities such as education and health care facilities.

• Remittances are often sent by migrants back to their families for support which strengthens the economy of the country of origin – THIS CAN significantly lead to a rise in GNP.

Negative Effects To Country Of Origin

• Many migrants are young and can dramatically reduce the number of working individuals.

• Skilled workers are often lost to destination countries leaving a deficit in the country of origin.

Benefits To Country Of Destination• New arrivals often have received

education and training in their profession reducing the cost for the destination country.

• People from new cultures add diversity to the destination country.

• Workers are often paid a lower wage which can boost inflation and the local economy.

Problems To Country Of Destination• Can put additional strain on

healthcare, education and social facilities

• Can lead to issues regarding discrimination particularly in ethnic minority areas where segregation is regarded negatively by both migrants and host population

How Many Are arriving?

• First time applicants for the Worker Registration Scheme

• Increased from 212,000 in 2005 to 232,000 in 2006.

• Workers from the A8 countries continue to fill gaps in the labour market, particularly in business and management, administration, hospitality and catering, agriculture, and the food manufacturing industries

What Sectors Are A8 Migrants Working In?

0.0%

1.0%

2.0%

3.0%

4.0%

5.0%

6.0%

7.0%

8.0%

9.0%

10.0%

Agriculture Energy Manufacturing Construction Distribution Transport Banking PublicAdministration

Other services

Worker Registrations as a proportion of all employees by sector in the UK