Which of the following statements about the World Migration Report 2024 are correct?

A) There are 281 million international migrants as of 2020, making up 3.6% of the global population.

B) 169 million migrant workers were recorded globally in 2019.

C) Approximately 10,500 migrants were reported dead or missing in 2023.

Solution

Statement A is correct as there are 281 million international migrants as of 2020, making up 3.6% of the global population. Statement B is correct as 169 million migrant workers were recorded globally in 2019. Statement C is incorrect as approximately 8,500 migrants were reported dead or missing in 2023, not 10,500. • The World Migration Report 2024, released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), discusses the role of migration as a crucial element for economies, societies, and families globally, despite facing significant challenges in a changing world. Key challenges highlighted include: • Geopolitical conflicts, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza, affecting global migration and displacement. • Environmental degradation exacerbating climate change and its severe implications for human mobility. • Technological advances, such as artificial intelligence, impacting migration systems and potentially widening digital divides. Migration data from the report: • There are 281 million international migrants as of 2020, making up 3.6% of the global population. • 169 million migrant workers were recorded globally in 2019. • Approximately 8,500 migrants were reported dead or missing in 2023. • USD 831 billion was sent in international remittances in 2022. • 117 million people were living in displacement at the end of 2022. • The report underscores migration’s positive impacts, such as being a driver of human development and generating benefits for migrants and their countries of origin. However, it also emphasizes the rising challenges due to forced displacement and environmental impacts. • Climate change is a significant factor expected to drive 216 million people to relocate within their own countries by 2050 across six continents. The report provides a detailed look at how different regions are affected: • North Africa and the Sahel region are facing increased droughts and decreased rainfall. • East and Southern Africa are experiencing more frequent and intense climate-related disasters. • In Asia, particularly the Indian subcontinent, climate-related events like the 2022 floods in Pakistan have caused significant displacement. • The Americas, Caribbean, and Oceania are also facing environmental challenges that drive both internal and international migration. Regarding India, noted as a significant player in global migration: • India is the largest remittance-receiving country, with over USD 111 billion in 2022. • The country experiences substantial internal migration due to climate impacts, especially from states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. • 18 million Indians reside abroad, with major populations in the UAE, USA, and Saudi Arabia.