Explain how remittances from migrant workers create purchasing power in other countries. Why do migrant workers send remittances? What happens with this money?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Remittances represent cash flow from the host country to families in the home country. Migrant workers may cross borders to seek employment opportunities in a new country. When sending remittances, they are sending funds back to their home country. Remittances often are used to support families, businesses, or savings opportunities in home countries.
What is a migration flow? Describe an example of a modern or historical migration flow.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: (Students may discuss an example like the recent migration flow of workers from Latin American countries to the United States.)A migration flow is a geographic term for a consistent flow of people moving from one place to another. These movements are called flows, as they resemble a constant stream of movement.
Describe three problems that migrant workers often face. How could language, working conditions, and economic opportunities cause these groups to struggle?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Migrant workers may face language barriers that hinder communication in their host country. They may experience unsafe and unregulated working conditions in some areas. Migrant workers also must face the likelihood that they may be among the first to lose opportunities during economic downturns.
How do migrant workers contribute to the economy of their country of employment?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Migrant workers fill the immediate employment needs of a country. Those with skills or professional backgrounds and advanced education often go into medical professions, education, industry, or agriculture. Migrant workers also often take less-desirable positions, including domestic service work. The presence of migrant workers means that more people are able to access goods and services. More money circulates in the economy, supply and demand is increased, and profits are increased.
Explain the difference between a seasonal worker and a migrant worker.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Migrant workers are people who work in countries of which they are not citizens. They can work in any field. A seasonal worker is a type of a migrant worker. Seasonal workers move from one seasonal job to another. Seasonal workers often are engaged in manual labor in the agricultural sector.
Migration out of a country often severely affects that nation’s economy. Iran is one example of this. Explain how migration out of Iran has contributed to the country’s brain drain, and describe the effect this has had on the economy.
Human capital flight is the phenomenon of talented and educated workers leaving their home countries to work in other countries. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, over two million people have left Iran for the United States, Canada, Australia, and European countries. It is estimated that over 150,000 of Iran’s most educated citizens leave each year to study or work abroad because of Iran's struggling economy and lack of available jobs. While industry and services make up the largest employment sectors, over 25% of large Iran’s population continues to be employed in the agricultural sector. Job opportunities for the best and brightest don’t exist as they do in other markets, and the unemployment rate is over 12.5%. As a result, Iran is losing almost 3 people per 1,000 people in the population. This contributes to a sluggish economy and a GNI per capita of only $10,800. Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:
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