Exploding the Migration Myths

Exploding the Migration Myths by Russell King

Migration has become a central issue in a heated political and media debate in Britain and throughout Europe. But the issues have often become confused and mythologised. This report seeks to contribute to a more mature public debate - and to more effective and just policy responses - through an in-depth study of the forces driving migration, and the strategies which seek to govern it.

Exploding the Migration Myths draws upon a year-long Fabian Society and Oxfam joint research project into the causes and consequences of migration. It looks in detail at the experience of migrants from Albania, the poorest country in Europe, their experience in the UK, and the impact on their home country, from remittances to the loss of human capital. By speaking to migrants themselves, whose voices are usually missing from this debate, the report identifies the real reasons behind migration and what drives those who undertake it. The report seeks a more holistic approach, linking development policy with domestic policies on entry and integration.

The report makes a number of policy recommendations, arguing that the choice between allowing or stopping migration is a false one. Migration is a fact, which is affecting all countries in the developed and developing worlds. The real choices are in how we govern migration. Exploding the Migration Myths argues that either we create paths to legal migration, for unskilled as well as skilled workers, or migration will remain illegal, often controlled by transnational criminal gangs. As the report shows, migration can potentially benefit both the host societies and countries of origin. But an approach that seeks to maximise the benefits and to control the costs of migration depends centrally on how we choose to govern it.

Accessible and though-provoking, Exploding the Migration Myths will be an invaluable resource for policy makers, researchers, and the general reader with an interest in migration and development.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780855985240
ISBN 10	0855985240
Title	Exploding the Migration Myths
Author	Russell King
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Oxfam Publishing
Year published	2004-12-15
Number of pages	76
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.