The International Organization for Migration (IOM) defines a migrant as any person who moves across an international border or within a State, regardless of legal status, reasons for moving, length of stay, and whether the movement is voluntary or involuntary.
We are now witnessing the highest level of migration in history. According to modern estimates, there are 244 million international migrants in the world (or 3.3% of the world's population). In 2000, there were 173 million. And by 2050, the number of international migrants is projected to reach 230 million.
Here are the top 10 most accessible countries for migration in the world, according to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).
10.Spain
The number of migrants is 5.9 million.
Spain is the fifth largest country in Europe, with a GDP per capita of just over $ 30,000. The share of migrants to the country is large and reaches 13.8% of the total population of the country (slightly less than 3% worldwide).
Most of those who moved to Spain are Hispanics. This is not surprising, given the common language, culture and partly mentality. And in the past few years, due to the deterioration of the political situation in Africa, residents of the "black" continent began to arrive in the country en masse. They end up in Spain at the risk of their lives, crossing the Mediterranean Sea.
Spain is also popular among European retirees because of its access to the sea, magnificent beaches, beautiful nature and, most importantly, a warm climate.
9. Australia
The number of migrants is 7 million.
The easiest way to get into and settle well in Australia is as a highly skilled worker. A country with a GDP per capita of over $ 44,000 can afford it.
The specific number of migrants on the smallest continent on Earth is almost a third of the population - 27.7%. The main reason why the country of koalas and kangaroos is so attractive is the good life of its inhabitants. Australia is consistently in the top 20 most prosperous countries in the world... And the Australian government is trying to make the immigration procedure for valuable specialists as fast and easy as possible.
8. Canada
The number of migrants is 7.9 million.
This is the second country in the world (after Russia) in terms of its area. It is clear that these vast spaces need to be populated by someone, so the Canadian government is deliberately betting on attracting as many people as possible to the country. The GDP of Canadians is quite high - 44.6 thousand dollars. These numbers attract migrants, so much so that, according to statistics, every fifth Canadian was born outside the country. In addition to GDP, Canada is tempting with the opportunity to make good money, get quality education and medical services.
In line with a multi-year plan to attract people from other countries, Canada plans to admit at least a million new residents into its borders between 2018 and 2020.
Immigration should start with study, since students can receive a permanent residence permit in the country after five years.Moreover, this period includes the years spent on acquiring knowledge. In addition, the Canadian government encourages family reunification. So if one migrant succeeds in obtaining citizenship, he may be followed by first-order relatives - parents, children and spouse or spouse.
7. France
The number of migrants is 7.9 million.
The GDP of the largest country in terms of area in Western Europe is lower than the Canadian and Australian ones (about 36 thousand dollars), but the flow of migrants to it is not depleting.
The total specific number of migrants is still relatively small - just over 11% of the population. Visitors love the social benefits that the French government has been generous with over the past few years, support for childhood and motherhood, a high standard of living, and the ability (once citizenship is granted) to move freely throughout the European Union.
6. United Arab Emirates
The number of migrants is 8.3 million.
Even though the UAE's GDP is relatively low (only $ 30.9 thousand), it is a gold mine, according to many migrants. Amazingly, there are almost 84% of them in the country of the total population! Yes, most of those living in the Emirates are either migrants or foreigners working in the country.
A developed, stable economy that has risen on "black gold", high salaries, high quality of life - these are the strengths of this Muslim country. However, not everything is as gorgeous as it looks, given that it is customary to exploit the foreign labor force in the UAE to the fullest. Many of the workers work extended hours without lunch breaks.
5. United Kingdom
The number of migrants is 8.8 million.
Once the British colonized almost half of the globe, and now, as their descendants gloomily joke, half of the globe is colonizing them. The share of migrants in Foggy Albion has exceeded 12% of the total population of the country. The country's economy, although shaken after the recent political unrest, is still strong, and the general standard of living is quite high (GDP is about 38 thousand dollars).
True, the British are actively resisting the invasion of migrants, and the British government even went on to toughen the migration legislation. However, this does not apply to EU citizens so far, which is what people from Eastern Europe, especially Poland and the Baltic countries, use.
After Brexit (England's exit from the European Union), the flow of migrants to the country is likely to greatly decline, as experts predict. This will affect the number of jobs and the reduction in production.
There is one more way of emigration to the country, which is still free - study. Many students first go to cheaper countries, such as Malaysia, and then, already in the process of getting their education, they register for an exchange program. Thus, they end up in England, where they finish their studies for the last couple of years, receive a British education certificate and can try their luck at obtaining permanent residence.
4. Russian Federation
The number of migrants is 11.7 million.
While some dream of leaving Russia, others dream of getting into it. Even taking into account that the Russian GDP is the lowest in the ranking of the most accessible countries for migration in 2019 - only 24.8 thousand dollars. However, the total percentage of migrants from the total population of Russia is 7.7%.
Attracted by the "come in large numbers" as a more or less stable economy, and the remnants of the Soviet systems - education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Most of the migrants are residents of the former Soviet republics, especially the Caucasus and Central Asia, who go to Russia to work. But the native Russians do not seek to stay in the country. According to statistics, Russia is in third place in the list of countries supplying migrants to other countries (after India and Mexico).
By the way, according to rating of world passports, with a Russian passport, you can enter 119 countries without a visa.
3. Germany
The number of migrants is 12.2 million.
In third place among the countries of the world popular among migrants is Germany with a GDP of 41 thousand dollars per population unit. The total number of migrants is about 12% of the total population of the state.
Interesting for those applying for German citizenship are both a stable economy and excellent healthcare and a well-developed infrastructure of the country. The German authorities are trying to attract both highly skilled workers and low-skilled labor, as the country's native population is rapidly aging.
2. Saudi Arabia
The number of migrants is 12.2 million.
Like the UAE, Saudi Arabia is an oil country with a corresponding income level. GDP per capita is 31 thousand dollars. Saudi Arabia is so popular with Muslim migrants that, in terms of specific gravity, every third person who meets you on the street in SA is a newcomer.
The government of this country, however, does not welcome migrants and is trying to limit their number. Long before Trump dreamed of a wall between the US and Mexico, the Saudis built their version on the border with Yemen. It is a 1800 km long natural concrete wall. However, during the invasion of Yemen, part of it was dismantled.
1. USA
The number of migrants is 49.8 million.
Are you surprised by the fact that the country created by migrants is in the first place in terms of the number of people entering it? And its GDP is the highest in the ranking - 53 thousand dollars.
The country has maintained its reputation as a "Promised Land" for foreigners for many decades. They are attracted by many factors, such as:
- powerful economy;
- the opportunity to get an education that is highly regarded all over the world;
- excellent level of healthcare;
- excellently developed infrastructure;
- high quality of life;
- the opportunity to be at home, as there are many migrants in the United States from all over the world.
Surprisingly, the share of migrants in the United States is not much higher than that of European countries. Their number barely reaches 14% of the total population of the States. But on a global scale, this share looks much more significant, because every fifth migrant seeks to get to America.