A growing panic about unauthorized migration from lower-income countries has led governments in the United States and Europe to pledge billions in development aid aimed at reducing the number of arrivals, but is that ethical? And can it work?
A new study billed as the first “comprehensive causal analysis” of such spending concludes that the move can both succeed and be legitimate — but only if high-income nations distinguish between the type of migration they want to stop and that which should be “welcomed.”
The policy brief, “Does Foreign Aid Reduce Migration?” published by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany, also dismisses fears of a “brain drain” in countries in the global south, arguing that the resulting migration can be a “highly effective development policy” for them and a “win-win” arrangement for all concerned.
About the author
Rob Merrick
Rob Merrick is the U.K. Correspondent for Devex, covering FCDO and British aid. He reported on all the key events in British politics of the past 25 years from Westminster, including the financial crash, the Brexit fallout, the "Partygate" scandal, and the departures of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Rob has worked for The Independent and the Press Association and is a regular commentator on TV and radio. He can be reached at rob.merrick@devex.com.
