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In 2023, legal migration to OECD countries reached a record high of 6.5 million, a 10% increase from the previous record of 6 million in 2022. This surge was driven by various factors, including economic stabilization following the pandemic and inflationary pressures, making migration an attractive option for many [422d59d8]. Among the top recipients, the United States accepted 1.2 million legal migrants, while the United Kingdom became the second-largest recipient with a net immigration of 750,000 [422d59d8]. Canada, France, and Japan also reported unprecedented immigration levels, contributing to the overall trend [422d59d8].
However, traditional migrant settler nations, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, are now tightening their immigration policies in response to growing voter backlash against irregular asylum seekers. Canada plans to reduce its permanent migration intake by 200,000 annually and aims for negative population growth in 2025-2026, despite its population growing by 3.1% in 2023 [be2a9ba2]. The United States has seen a drop in border encounters, from 250,000 in December 2023 to just 54,000 in September 2024, as the Biden Administration allowed 5.7 million migrants to pursue their immigration cases [be2a9ba2]. In contrast, former President Trump has proposed mass deportations targeting 10-20 million undocumented migrants [be2a9ba2].
New Zealand's net migration peaked at 136,381 in 2023 but fell to 44,900 by September 2024, indicating a significant shift in migration patterns [be2a9ba2]. Meanwhile, Australia's net migration boomed to over 500,000 in 2022-23, even as the country faces demographic challenges, with a fertility rate of just 1.5 births per woman [be2a9ba2].
As Canada prepares to welcome approximately 128,000 millionaires in 2024, its appeal as a destination for wealthy migrants continues to rise. Factors such as economic stability, high quality of life, and favorable investment opportunities make Canada an increasingly attractive option for those seeking a better lifestyle and financial security [585e383a]. The benefits of millionaire migration are significant, contributing to foreign exchange revenue, job creation, and growth in the real estate market. Wealthy migrants are often motivated by safety, financial concerns, and the pursuit of quality education for their children [585e383a].
In Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted the country's shrinking population and the urgent need for migrant workers to sustain economic development. He acknowledged the strained demographic situation and emphasized a welcoming stance towards migrants, despite facing xenophobic backlash following a terrorist attack in March that resulted in at least 140 fatalities. Peskov pointed out that illegal migration poses problems, not legal migrants, and noted that 53% of Russian companies employing migrants are experiencing worker shortages exacerbated by stricter migration laws [a5d24192]. The ongoing war in Ukraine has further strained labor availability, with reports indicating a reliance on Central Asian migrants, including 77,000 Kyrgyz workers in Moscow's taxi industry [a5d24192].
However, Russia's clampdown on Tajik migrants has raised significant economic and security concerns. Following the Crocus City Hall attack in March 2024, which killed 145 people, Tajik migrants have faced increased hostility and deportations. President Putin stated in February 2024 that Russia needs 2.5 million more workers, yet the country deported 100,000 migrants in the first half of 2024, a 50% increase from the previous year [ec60a2b8]. Tajikistan's Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda expressed alarm over the rights violations of Tajik citizens, as remittances from abroad account for over a third of Tajikistan's GDP [ec60a2b8]. The World Bank forecasts Tajik economic growth to slow to 6.5% in 2024, with 392,000 Tajiks leaving for work abroad in the first half of 2024, marking a 16% decrease from the previous year [ec60a2b8]. As joblessness increases, concerns over recruitment by extremist groups are also rising, highlighting the precarious balance between Russia's labor needs and the rights of migrant workers [ec60a2b8].
As Canada solidifies its position as a global leader in immigration and education, it reflects a broader trend of migration towards countries that offer stability and opportunity, even as voter sentiments shift in response to these changes [0be4b459].