Last week (June 25, 2026), a significant news story appeared in Reuters. Titled “Rich countries reap huge benefits from migration” this article took me back 19 years.

I had the opportunity to compare the findings presented in the news report with the findings I included in my study titled “SOCIAL IMPACTS OF MIGRATION AND SECURITY RISKS TRIGGERED THEREBY” which I presented at the 2nd ISTANBUL CONFERENCE ON DEMOCRACY AND GLOBAL SECURITY approximately 20 years ago (14-16June 2007).

Migration is a striking social reality observed throughout human history.

Migration is the permanent, or at least temporary, change of location for individuals or groups. Therefore, migration is a phenomenon observed throughout history. Whether migration occurs individually, in groups, or en masse; whether it is undertaken with the intention of never returning or with the intention of returning after a certain period; what is important are the various social, economic, cultural, and political consequences that arise before, during, and after the migration phenomenon. Indeed, this is why the phenomenon of migration has become a subject of interest for many social sciences, from geography and sociology to social policy and political science.

Even though it might seem like just a population movement at first glance, it is a comprehensive social phenomenon that directly influences each other. There is no period in human history when migration completely ceased. We can only speak of periods when migration accelerated or slowed down; periods when one or more of the factors causing migration gained more weight than others.

Migration has two dimensions: the lives and memories left behind in the country one is forced to leave, and the dreams built for the destination country, along with the realities ultimately faced.

Another consequence of migration is its impact on the individual and family lives of those forced to migrate, as well as the impact of migrants on the economic and social life of the host country.

Reuters cited an article by University of California professor Giovanni Peri, which argued that during and after periods of high immigration rates, labor productivity in immigrant-receiving countries increased significantly.

A study examining data from wealthy member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) showed that, contrary to political claims, the influx of immigrants, many of whom are highly skilled, may have significantly boosted both growth and productivity. While the total number of immigrants from outside the bloc to OECD countries rose from approximately 25 million in 1990 to nearly 100 million in 2024, in many countries the growth of the native population through births has been negative.

The data in the article showed that an increase in immigration equivalent to 1% of a country’s population was associated with a 1.2% increase in GDP per worker growth (a measure of productivity) over five years and a 1.9% increase over 10 years. The finding that the benefits of immigration do not diminish as immigrant inflows increase is crucial.

The experience of Canada and Australia, with their high foreign-born populations, has shown that it is possible to absorb more workers without sacrificing positive outcomes in productivity and investment. Canada, in particular, is among the leading countries that have successfully managed the immigrant contribution.

The findings are of great importance, especially for the European Union, where natural population change has been negative since 2015, and the decline accelerated after the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a time when the population in Europe is aging, the wave of migration, particularly from Ukraine due to the war, has had a significant impact on population growth in some countries, especially Germany. Undoubtedly, these countries will see the positive results of this in the medium and long term.

It’s no coincidence that developed countries are the ones that are tolerant of immigration. Even if a wave of resentment towards immigrants arises during the pandemic, particularly due to rising food prices and job losses, there are many reasons to believe this is temporary. It wouldn’t be surprising if parties that want to capitalize on this resentment become convinced of the positive impact immigrants have on the country and approach the issue more rationally once they come to power. Because what is said in opposition is not always the same as what is faced in power. That’s when realpolitik and populist politics become clear.

Discussions about migration will continue as long as humanity exists. In my 2007 study, I focused on the social impacts of migration movements over the past fifty years and the factors and potential risks that could trigger new waves of migration. However, events in the world over the last 20 years have caused mass migration movements beyond all predictions. The fact that the countries experiencing large migration waves are also conflict zones of global powers is another issue that needs to be addressed.

War, famine, and economic reasons are among the leading causes of migration. In addition, in countries like Turkey, a regression from democracy has led to what we might call a brain drain, where highly educated and qualified people leave their countries and migrate to Europe and North America.

In recent years alone, more than 10,000 doctors, seeing no future for themselves in Turkey, have migrated to democratic countries, primarily Germany. It is thought that this number, including other professions, has exceeded hundreds of thousands in the last 10 years. Following these migrations, many argue that Turkey is experiencing “brain death.” This is because no social or economic indicators have shown improvement in Turkey over the last 10 years. Turkey has fallen to the bottom of international indices such as freedom, livability, and corruption. Against this, countries that receive skilled migrants from countries like Türkiye are constantly increasing their levels of prosperity.

The need for immigrants to rebuild their lives in their new countries adds dynamism to the economy and social life. Looking at Nobel Prize-winning scientists and the world’s 100 richest people, the fact that many are children of immigrant families makes it easier to understand the issue. In truth, doesn’t immigration begin with a baby’s transition from the comfortable environment of the womb to the world? Experiencing difference has always been exciting, whether it’s experiencing immigration yourself or meeting an immigrant from a different culture. The important thing is that people don’t make life difficult for each other…

By Prof. Dr. Osman OZSOY