Migration to OECD countries hits new record.
Permanent migration to OECD countries hit a new record in 2023, with 6.5 million migrants arriving. The number of temporary migrants and asylum seekers has also risen sharply, according to a new OECD report.
International Migration Outlook 2024 says that most of the 2023 increase in permanent-type migration was driven by family migration (+18%). Humanitarian migration (+20%) also rose. Permanent labour migration to OECD countries remained at a high level in 2023 with just under 1.2 million workers, as in 2022.
About a third of OECD countries experienced record immigration levels in 2023, including Canada, France, Japan, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Another third recorded a drop in inflows, including Denmark, Estonia, Israel, Italy, Lithuania and New Zealand.
“Buoyant labour demand has been a key driver of migration over the past two years,” OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said. “Many OECD countries are facing widespread labour shortages and looming demographic changes and growing numbers of labour migrants have contributed to sustained economic growth. Increasing the accessibility and availability of labour migration channels contributes to addressing labour shortages and is essential to strengthening overall control of flows and managing irregular migration.”
Read more on the website of the OECD
