Inter-state migration and economic development.

• Author: Schatzer, Peter

Migration has existed as long as humanity and plays a role in the political, economic and cultural evolution of societies. Cheap and accessible transportation and the process of '"globalization" have increased the emphasis placed on ways in which the development process affects and is affected by these movements.

Handled in a controlled and planned manner, migration is certainly beneficial for migrants, as well as for receiving and sending countries. Yet, just as migration comes in different forms, its effects on development tend to be positive for certain regions and groups of migrants, while constituting a great loss for others.

Certainly there is little disagreement in the fact that immigration was instrumental to the rapid development of countries in North America, Oceania and elsewhere, through the important transfer of skills and cultural enrichment it brings. While most migration occurs internally or between neighbouring countries, inter-State movements from developing States to developed countries have gained attention over the past years. Developing countries exporting migrant labour gain from remittances their nationals send home, thus assisting in their own country's development. The Earth Times (June-July 1995) pointed out that half of remittances worldwide, estimated to reach $65 billion every year, end up in developing countries. Though public perception on the issue varies, it is generally agreed that migrants participating in the work market also expand the receiving country's economy by providing needed human resources.

However, there are many inconsistencies in the distribution of development due to these types of migratory movements. One persistent example is the "brain drain" - the migration of professionals and highly skilled workers from developing countries to developed ones-often causing losses that are more significant to long-term, sustainable development than the gains from remittances.

Numerous countries have suffered from this phenomenon for several decades, with their qualified professionals attracted by better conditions elsewhere. Skilled human resources play a vital role in the effective management of strategies for a sustained development, and development in many countries is greatly slowed by shortages and imbalances of skilled personnel. The brain drain deprives many developing countries of their qualified personnel, whose education and training were often a considerable expense to their country of...