Migration to a foreign country is not something new. People have migrated from one area to another since the beginning of time. Most of them were in search of food, cultivatable land or to escape from their current living conditions. Earliest proof of migration was found in Ethiopia, over 200,000 years ago. (Link)
But today, people migrate for new opportunities, a better lifestyle, education and higher living standard. Countries like the UAE have already issued different visas for the immigrant population based on their profession. Currently, the youngsters are the true international global population where they travel abroad for higher education and later settle in those countries where they receive better job opportunities. (Link)
At present, we, as humans, are facing multiple threats to our very existence. From a pandemic that happens only once in a human lifetime to the possibility of a nuclear third world war that has the potential to end human civilization is being discussed daily. (Link)
From the perspective of an ordinary citizen, the only thing we can do is to understand the current world situation and use it to draw a conclusion and finally decide on our next course of action. To decide, we need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of migrating abroad, now. If you have selected this blog to read, then I must assume you are already familiar with the advantages of migrating abroad. Considering there are many websites that specify the common issues that an individual or a family faces when moving abroad. Here, in this blog, I intend to specify the topics that are not mentioned or discussed anywhere else.
Things to consider while planning to migrate to other countries
Being called into the Military
As a commoner, we are not well aware of the constitutional amendments laws that exist in foreign countries where we intend to travel. But when we are planning to settle down in a country where we are a stranger, we need to research local laws and regulations.
For example, here is a part of the website of the United States Selective Service System website:-
"U.S. immigrants are required by law to register with the Selective Service System 30 days after their 18th birthday or 30 days after entry into the United States, if they are between the ages of 18 and 25. This includes U.S. born and naturalized citizens, parolees, undocumented immigrants, legal permanent residents, asylum seekers, refugees, and all males with visas of any kind which expired more than 30 days ago." (Link)
"In a crisis requiring a draft, men would be called in a sequence determined by random lottery number and year of birth. Then, they would be examined for mental, physical, and moral fitness by the military before being deferred or exempted from military service or inducted into the Armed Forces." (Link)
Did you know about the US Selective Service System before reading this article?
Yes
No
There are variations of these in other western countries. The Russian government recently closed travel for all the male population from the country. With the ongoing conflicts and other crises, it is important to know if these laws and regulations apply to you in the future.
Increase in Hate Crime
Hate crime is increasing in the western countries day by day. With the deterioration of quality of life because of excessive taxation, inflation, unemployment and other socio-economic factors, the public anger is automatically directed at the section of the population that has a higher means of living.
The US Department of Justice, FBI Hate Crime Report Statistics shows the following as the Motivation for all the hate crimes that happened in the US during 2020:
Always in case of a crisis, the politicians blame the migrant, immigrants and poor people. We have seen that during World War 2 and we are seeing it since 2016.
Remember this:- In your own country, you are treated as a citizen with all your fundamental rights. Outside, you are considered as a second-class citizen, no matter how you try to merge with the local society. In some western countries, even today, people are labelled racially even after acquiring citizenship generations ago. That is why we see the terms like "Indian- American" and "Asian-American".
Coming Recession
IMF, UN and the World Bank have warned about a global recession. I believe Europe will be in recession first and then followed by the United States. As soon as the US enters recession, we will probably see a Global Recession as the world is currently using the Dollar. The stock markets today are globally connected that operate in microseconds. (Link)
During recession, job openings are low, companies file for bankruptcies and employee layoffs are common. Recent graduate job seekers are usually neglected and if you are not a citizen, then the chances of getting a job are highly unlikely. Employing a non citizen adds an extra expense to the employer, like visa fees, therefore they prefer their own citizen. Hiring locals is much preferred by the Government as it reduces the unemployment, while adding an immigrant does not help, politically. Combined with rising inflation and looming food crisis, it is a high-risk task.
Rapid Cultural Changes
Adapting to a different culture is a crucial part of travelling. It could be food, lifestyle, clothes and even ideologies. The younger generations are quick to adapt and adopt. While considering settling abroad, starting a family and living the rest of your life there, we need to deeply inspect the environment in which the next generation is being brought up. And most important of all, is to have a retirement plan. Today, in certain countries, things that were once thought as taboo are becoming mainstream. It is being hailed as freedom, inclusion and basic human right.
Overall Decline
The glory days of the western countries were between 1900 and 2000, where money had value, job opportunities were abundant and living standards were better. People migrated in hopes of a better future and to live the lives of their dreams. Looking at it financially, the flow of money was from the East to the West, mostly through trade, wars or colonization. (link)
Due to the migration back in the 1970s, today, we see the flow of money back to the East as remittances or investment. It can also support this with the fact that, since 1970, we have seen an industrial growth in countries like China, Vietnam and Indonesia due to lower cost of production. Remittances from the expat population of India, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia have also helped their local economies. (Link)
The wealth that brought prosperity, higher standard of living, education and technological advancements to the western countries is slowly moving to the eastern countries in forms of investment, manufacturing and low-cost labour. Therefore, it is preferable to migrate to a growing country rather than migrating to a country in decline.
How to Decide on Where to migrate?
Immigration agencies and other consulting services will never inform its customer about the disadvantages of migrating. It decreases their commission and reduces their profit. The information that they provide will be old and irrelevant to the current global situation.
It is highly advisable to perform your own research and do your own due diligence while considering matters of high importance. For example, using sites like www.numbeo.com we can compare cities based on cost of living, crime rating, quality of life, healthcare, pollution and property prices.
These are some important points to consider while migrating and settling abroad. I believe humanity is at a crossroads of a major change. A change in world order, politics and finance. Considering the current global disturbances, it is more apt to delay plans of permanent migration for at least 1-1.5 years, till 2024.
FAQ Section
Why might now not be the best time to migrate to Western countries? Given the current global disturbances, including pandemics and potential wars, it might be wise to delay plans of permanent migration to Western countries for at least 1-1.5 years, till 2024.
How do global threats influence migration decisions? Global threats like pandemics and potential wars make it essential to understand the global situation before deciding to migrate.
Is military service a concern for immigrants in some countries? Yes, some countries might require immigrants to register for military service, which can be a significant commitment.
Are immigrants facing an increase in hate crimes in Western countries? There's a noticeable rise in hate crimes in Western countries, often directed at immigrants, making it a concern for potential migrants.
How can a global recession affect immigrants? A global recession can significantly impact job opportunities for immigrants, making it harder to find stable employment.
What are the cultural challenges of migrating to Western countries? Adapting to a new culture is essential, and one must consider the environment in which future generations will grow, understanding local customs, traditions, and societal norms.
Is there a shift in prosperity from Western to Eastern countries? Due to various economic factors, the prosperity of Western countries is gradually shifting towards Eastern countries.
How can one make an informed decision about where to migrate? It's essential to research and understand the current global situation, and using websites like numbeo.com can help compare cities based on various factors.
What socio-political challenges do migrants face? Migrants often face challenges related to stigmatization, gender-discriminatory climates, and the role of masculinity in their host countries.
How do climate disasters influence migration?
Climate disasters can devastate livelihoods, exacerbate food insecurities, and impact migration economies, pushing people to seek safer regions.
Does the economic situation of a country play a role in migration decisions?
Yes, limited access to opportunities, poverty, and unemployment amidst precarious development challenges can exacerbate migration crises.
Are there benefits to migrating to Western countries?
While there are benefits like better education and job opportunities, it's essential to weigh them against the challenges like cultural adaptation and potential socio-political issues.
How do political conflicts influence migration?
Political conflicts can create unstable environments, pushing people to migrate in search of safety and stability.
What challenges do migrants face in accessing education in Western countries?
Migrants might face language barriers, cultural differences, and sometimes discrimination, making it challenging to access quality education.
How do pandemics like COVID-19 impact migration?
Pandemics can halt migration due to travel restrictions and health concerns, and they can also influence economic conditions, affecting job opportunities for migrants.
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NOTE: This article does not intend to malign or disrespect any person on gender, orientation, color, or nationality.
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