Why Do People Migrate? Part 1: Facts

The cost of migrants and refugees has always been a hotly debated issue, and the highest the inflows the hotter it gets. Usually the issue is brought up by anti-immigration political formations and movements and by migration sceptics. However the fact is that the studies available are inconclusive. As the article states, they usually tilt to the migrants and refugees side by finding marginal or more even more significant benefits from migration in terms of fiscal contribution and necessary labour skills. A good example is the UK, where the conservative government has pledged itself to a stringent migration and asylum policy invoking benefit tourism and a heavy burden on social services as healthcare and education. However the vast majority of the studies on the UK show that the country has been benefiting from migration and asylum.
It is true that the recent influx of Syrian refugees has raised concerns, but there are indications that many of them are young and skilled or have the potential to be educated and trained. This can be a great advantage for an ageing continent. However increased focus and effort must be placed on the integration policies in order for the refugees to become productive as soon as possible.