EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - OECD: Migration is part of the solution for labour shortages and population ageing

OECD: Migration is part of the solution for labour shortages and population ageing

09-07-2007

Migration to OECD countries continues to rise, according to the latest edition of the OECD’s annual report on migration movements and policies, International Migration Outlook 2007 (IMO 2007). About four million new immigrants entered OECD countries on a permanent basis in 2005, an increase of ten per cent from 2004. According to Angel Gurría, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, effective integration policies are needed, in particular in the realms of education and the labour market, in order to take full advantage of the migratory flows.

The following conclusions can be made based upon the information presented in the IMO 2007:

permanent and temporary migration to OECD countries is on the rise
while migration for family reunification continues to dominate the inflows, labour migration is expanding
there is a large underutilisation of skills and qualifications of immigrants
possible “brain drain” of doctors and nurses from developing countries is a cause of concern
migration policies need to put more emphasis on the integration of immigrants and their children

Links
Read Mr Gurría’s speech at the presentation of the IMO 2007 Read more on the IMO 2007

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