There are many arguments about the advantages and disadvantages of migration and how it has affected us locally.

Positive Impacts on host countries

• Job vacancies and skills gaps can be filled.
• Economic growth can be sustained.
• Services to an ageing population can be maintained when there are insufficient young people locally.
• The pension gap can be filled by the contributions of new young workers and they also pay taxes.
• Immigrants bring energy and innovation.
• Host countries are enriched by cultural diversity.
• Failing schools (and those with falling numbers) can be transformed.

Negative Impacts on host countries

• Depression of wages may occur, especially in lower paid jobs.
• Having workers willing to work for relatively low pay may allow employers to ignore productivity, training and innovation.
• Migrants may be exploited.
• Increases in population can put pressure on public services.
• Unemployment may rise if there are unrestricted numbers of incomers.
• There may be integration difficulties and friction with local people.
• Large movements of people lead to more security monitoring.
• Ease of movement may facilitate organised crime and people trafficking.

Positive Impacts on countries of origin

• Developing countries benefit from remittances (payments sent home by migrants). These now often outstrip foreign aid.