Migration, Integration and Identity

Migration is a central dimension of globalization. It entails major challenges but also major opportunities for countries of origin and countries of destination, as well as migrants themselves. Advances in information and communications technologies and affordable travel allow migrants to be part of life in both their home and host countries.

This “migrant transnationalism” is reflected in increased circular migration and diaspora engagement in the economic and political development of their countries of origin. As a consequence, a growing number of people tend to identify with multiple countries and cultures.

Migrant transnationalism can benefit both source countries and destination countries.

It can encourage international trade, capital flows and the diffusion of knowledge as well as social and political norms, thus fostering economic and social development. Destination countries may in addition gain from spurred innovation through diversity as well as from the mitigation of short-term labor shortages.

Yet migrant transnationalism is often viewed as a threat to national identity and social cohesion in host countries. Instead of accepting that a person can be part of more than one culture and even harnessing the migrants’ sustained ties with their countries of origin, complete cultural and social assimilation is expected. What policies can help to maximize the benefits of transnational migration and, at the same time, mitigate potential problems with respect to integration, social cohesion and alienation?

Previous GES sessions on migration have proposed bilateral agreements to enhance migrant mobility. How could such agreements be used to foster migrant transnationalism and help to realize its potential benefits? Could such agreements help to adjust education and training programs in source countries in ways that facilitate the recognition of qualifications and mitigate migrants’ integration problems—for example, by providing language skills and knowledge relevant to the host country? Could bilateral agreements help to adjust social security systems to accommodate temporary migration—for example, by improving the portability of social security contributions and benefits?

What are the consequences of migrant transnationalism for optimal integration policies? Could dual citizenship facilitate integration into the host country while preserving the connection with the country of origin? How can host countries foster the political and civic participation of migrants who do not hold full citizenship? Should temporary migration programs offer a path to permanent residence and full citizenship?

How can migrant associations help to improve the integration process and, at the same time, foster relations between source and destination countries? Should governments provide financial and technical support and/or offer them active participation in the design and delivery of integration and development cooperation policies?

What can businesses do to maximize the benefits of migration and diversity and how can these benefits be communicated to the public more effectively? Can companies offer an alternative source of identity that facilitates integration? What can society learn from cultural diversity management practices in multinational corporations?