International Migration in Pandemic Times. An Expert Discussion

Valdai Club Conference Hall, Tsvetnoy boulevard 16/1, Moscow, Russia

On August 25, the Valdai Discussion Club presented a report, titled “International Migration in Pandemic Times: Disrupted Links, Remittances and Migrantophobia”.

The widespread closure of borders has led to a sharp restriction or cessation of global migration, including labour flows. The recipientcountries are faced with a tangible shortage of the labour required for economic recovery and development. Many sectors of the economy are under threat. This has led to the fact that a number of developed countries have begun to introduce additional measures to encourage the return of labour migrants to their territories. On the other hand, the socio-economic situation in the donor countries has deteriorated significantly. The decline in remittances from migrants has led to an aggravation of poverty, and the growth of unemployment has intensified.

Materials

Club events

Morality and Law

Long-Term Trends in Migration Policy and the Impact of the Pandemic

On August 25, the Valdai Club presented its new report, titled “International Migration in Pandemic Times: Disrupted Links, Remittances and Migrantophobia”. In his opening remarks, the moderator of the discussion, Oleg Barabanov, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club, noted that during the pandemic, the migration problem had become one of the most acute in many countries. He added that in Russia the proposals of the authorities to reopen the country for labour migration have faced resistance — both in the context of lobbying, and in connection with migrantophobia.

26.08.2021

Reports

Morality and Law

International Migration in Pandemic Times: Disrupted Links, Remittances and Migrantophobia

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely limited international migration due to border closures and has forced millions of people to return home. According to expert estimates, the pandemic reduced the number of international migrants by the middle of 2020 by about 2 million people: to 281 million people instead of the expected 283 million people.

Dmitry Poletaev, Andrei Korobkov

25.08.2021