Business Desk 
Nov 15, 2024
An undated, representational image of migrants. — iStocj
Migrations worldwide to richer countries in 2023 were recorded to be at an all-time high for the second consecutive year.
A total of 6.5 million permanent migrants settled last year in the 38 countries that constitute the Organisation for Economic Cooperation (OECD), 10% higher than 2022.
Worldwide migrations in 2023
Under its International Migration Outlook 2024, the intergovernmental organisation said the huge toll of overseas settlements indicates increasing foreign outsourcing and employment gaps left by ageing populations.
The migration report also shows an uptick in temporary migrants —from countries reeling with wars or poverty— seeking asylum.
“These high flows have fuelled widespread concern about migrants’ impact on receiving countries’ economies and societies... But they also point to major opportunities,” said employment director OECD Stefano Scarpetta.
“In many OECD countries facing widespread labour shortages and looming demographic changes, growing numbers of labour migrants have contributed to sustained economic growth.”
The employment director said host countries had “virtually full control” over who they let settle in legally, meaning that those countries could better manage unwanted incomers by expanding chances for “regular, orderly, and safe migration”.
The report recorded 1.2m, the highest since 2006, new legal permanent incomers in 2023. Of all, the United States was the most-sought destination for foreign workers.
