Is migration the problem or the solution? With falling birth rates, many say migration can help countries avoid the problems of an aging population in a system that’s not built for them. Where in this do temporary migrations, say for example, students, fall? While countries like Canada have taken steps to keep this temporary migrant population in check, going so far as to cut Indian student permits by 31% despite Indians making the world’s largest overseas diaspora. The current government’s stance seems to be that increased migration has led to problems like housing unaffordability and extreme pressure on medical systems. They plan to stand firm on their reduced numbers, aiming to cap the temporary migrant population at no more than 5%. Part of this is also increasing the threshold for the finances needed to get a Canadian visa for such migrants.
While Canada is certainly not alone in tightening regulations for migration, some countries need skilled labour to support aging economies and India is gearing up to the answer, despite many on Reddit thinking that the West is not the land of opportunities it used to be given the competition, housing crisis, and high cost of living. Yet, others cited better research scope, personal freedom, and a work-life balance as reasons to move regardless.
What do these migration attitudes mean for a world heading towards rapid climate change and a developed world with declining birth rates?
Climate change is not just coming, it is partially here in the form of changes in weather patterns and climate disasters. Unless we get to net zero in time, it’s set to get much worse, and one of the impacts will be climate migration. While ClimateAdam, a PhD climate scientist, has shared how migration within the country is more likely than people migrating offshore to escape natural disasters, we know climate refugees are set to increase, increasing competition and inequalities in cities, which might push those with resources overseas. Or their lives might not be affected.
A more potent reason to keep the gates open to migrants is falling birth rates, where, despite financial incentives, women, thanks to the high cost of living, inequalities, and many other reasons, are choosing a child-free life. Until society can become more adept at helping women who wish to be mothers, migrants can keep the population stable, as we know, forcing motherhood is never ideal.
Also check:- Today, PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link
Yet, the challenges of cultural integration remain. While culture exchange is good to combat stagnation, many few losing the safety their cultures provide.
These are complex and interconnected issues, which possibly have no one right answer. Stay tuned to NB news to know more about what’s happening around the globe.
