OECD: Vertical reduction of migration flows in 2020

An unprecedented reduction, by at least 30%, of migration flows to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in 2020, is recorded in a report of the organization. At the same time, the pandemic "ended ten years of continuous improvement in the situation of migrants in the labor market," the international organization announced today.

"Her crisis COVID-19 "has caused the largest reduction ever recorded in migration flows in OECD countries, more than 30%," the OECD said in its annual report on migration, which was released today.

With 3,7 million people joining the organisation's 25 member states, immigration reached its lowest level since 2003 last year.

This reduction could be even greater, according to preliminary estimates released by the OECD: "The reduction in (migratory) flows has far exceeded 50% if changes in the regime are not taken into account", which may show the same person twice.

The US, which remains the first country of immigration in the OECD, recorded a decrease of 44% compared to 2019, with 576.000 new arrivals in 2020.

Among the top five OECD destination countries, France recorded the least significant decrease (-21%), with 230.000 new arrivals, according to the agency.

"All categories of permanent migration have declined in 2020," the OECD said, adding that family migration, which has traditionally been the mainstay of migration flows, has recorded "the most significant decline" of more than a percentage point. 35%.

Smaller reduction in land workers

The OECD also notes that although temporary migrations for work have declined significantly in most countries, one category of migration was an exception in 2020, as its decline has been subdued: these are seasonal agricultural workers, whose incomes have fallen by only 9%. % Overall.

In most rich countries, the harvest and agriculture sectors continued to draw on this workforce, which proved to be essential even during the period of the health crisis caused by the new coronavirus.

In the US (213.000 seasonal) and Poland (137.000), this type of migration even increased in 2020.

Reversal of the situation of migrants in the labor market

The OECD, which in this report can for the first time estimate the effects on migration flows of an entire pandemic year, also notes that the COVID-19 "Ended ten years of continuous improvement of the situation of immigrants in the labor market."

On average, more than two-thirds of immigrants held a job in 2020, equivalent to a 2% reduction in one year.

"It has remained relatively modest as efforts have been made to keep people at work during the crisis, especially in France," said Jean-Christophe Dimon, head of the OECD Immigration Department.

However, he notes, "immigrants are still among the most vulnerable because they are concentrated in the areas most affected, such as hospitality and catering."

"Beyond the impact of the crisis," he said, "the challenge will be to ensure that the recovery plan does not exclude anyone, including migrants."

in.gr