Record Immigration Levels in OECD Countries
According to a recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), legal immigration to advanced countries reached a record high in 2023, with 6.5 million new permanent immigrants, marking a notable increase from 6.1 million in 2022. This surge in immigration reflects a growing demand for labor in host countries, particularly in the wake of economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. The report highlights that about one-third of the 38 OECD member countries experienced record immigration levels, with significant increases noted in the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Japan, and Switzerland.
Key Drivers Behind the Increase
The increase in immigration is attributed primarily to family migration, which rose by 16%, and humanitarian immigration, which saw a 20% increase. While labor migration remained stable, the integration of immigrants into the labor market has reached unprecedented levels, with the OECD reporting historically high employment rates of 71.8% and low unemployment rates of 7.3% among immigrants. Countries such as Canada, the UK, and the US recorded the highest employment rates for immigrants, indicating a strong demand for labor in these nations. OECD Director for Employment and Labour, Stefano Scarpetta, emphasized that the influx of migrant workers has been crucial for sustaining economic growth amid labor shortages and demographic changes.
Public Sentiment and Policy Responses
Despite the economic benefits attributed to immigration, public sentiment in many advanced countries has turned against large-scale immigration. Voters have increasingly supported candidates who promise to limit immigration, particularly illegal immigration and asylum seekers. In response to these sentiments, countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK have begun implementing measures to restrict employment-related immigration and reduce the number of permanent residency visas issued annually. The OECD report suggests that while immigration levels are high, they are not out of control, and improving pathways for labor migration could help manage irregular migration effectively.
