Migration and Diversity

Migration and diversity

A diverse population brings many benefits to receiving communities and economies. From the foods we eat, to the clothes we wear, the music we listen to and the sports we play and watch, the intellectual, cultural and social diversity migration brings enriches our lives on a daily basis. When we talk about diversity within the context of migration, the first things come to mind are usually the vibrant cultural, ethnic, linguistic, religious and racial diversity migrants bring to our societies.

Promoting understanding and respect for different cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds helps to reduce prejudice and discrimination and fosters a more harmonious and tolerant society. It allows societies to enjoy migrants’ unique cultural practices, cuisines, arts and traditions, and it allows migrants to fill labour shortages, bring their entrepreneurial skills and contribute to economic growth and social enrichment. (See Module 13 Migrants’ Contributions for more information about the benefits migrants offer society).

Other aspects of diversity that come to mind when examining migration are the different types of migrants. A migrant’s migration status could, for example, be as a migrant worker, an international student, a refugee, or an asylum seeker. Additionally, they might be a migrant in an irregular situation, which means they do not have authorisation to be in a country.

International migrants are people who move away from their place of usual residence and across an international border to a country of which they are not nationals (IOM Key migration terms). Refugees are people who, owing to a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it (IOM Key migration terms).

Asylum seekers are people who are seeking international protection. In countries with individualized procedures, an asylum seeker is someone whose claim has not yet been finally decided on by the country in which he or she has submitted it (IOM Key migration terms). Migrants in an irregular situation, also known as undocumented migrants, are migrants residing in a country without the necessary authorisation papers or visa (IOM Key migration terms). It is important to remember that all migrants enjoy the same human rights as non-migrants, irrespective of their migration status.

The majority of people migrate internationally for reasons related to work, family and study. In contrast, other people leave their homes and countries for a range of compelling and sometimes tragic reasons, such as conflict, persecution and disaster. While those who have been displaced across borders, such as refugees, comprise a relatively small percentage of all international migrants, they are often the most in need of assistance and support. This is also the case of those displaced within their own countries — internally displaced persons (IDPs) — sometimes considered internal migrants (See Module 2 “Who Migrates?” for more information on the different categories of migrants).

All migrants share in the full range of different characteristics among broader populations, including but not limited to gender, age, religion, ability and sexual orientation. Examining the intersection between migration and other dimensions of diversity is important for understanding migrants’ experiences so that policies can be tailored to meet their needs. It is also important for fostering inclusive societies.

Sex characteristics refer to physical features relating to sex, including sexual anatomy, reproductive organs, hormonal patterns and/or chromosomal patterns, and secondary physical features emerging from puberty, such as a deepening of voice, growth of body/facial hair, breast development etc. (UN Free & Equal). Gender identity, on the other hand, refers to a deeply felt internal and experienced sense of one’s own gender. It may or may not be aligned with the sex assigned at birth. Most people have a gender identity, which is part of their overall identity. Concepts of gender identity vary across the world (UN Free & Equal). Sexual orientation is a person’s romantic, emotional and/or physical feelings or attraction to people of the same, different or more than one gender. This encompasses heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, pansexuality, asexuality and a wide range of other expressions of sexual orientation (UN Free & Equal). Considering sex, gender identity and sexual orientation diversity is important when examining migration because different people often face different challenges and opportunities, depending on their sex, gender identity and sexual orientation.

Age diversity includes individuals across different age groups, from infants, children and youth, to adults and seniors. The United Nations, for example, defines “youth”, as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years, without prejudice to other definitions by Member States (UN Definition of Youth). Generational diversity brings varying perspectives and experiences, which can foster creativity, innovation and a broad range of skills.

Diverse levels of ability, which can include persons with disabilities, including those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others (UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities). Inclusive practices for migrants with disabilities promote equal opportunities and access, ensuring that everyone can participate fully in and contribute to society.

Human development levels are about the freedoms people can enjoy: what they are free to choose and to be. It focuses on the richness of human life, rather than simply the richness of the economy in which human beings live. It is an approach that is focused on people and their opportunities and choices (UNDP What is Human Development).

Educational and skill diversity includes different types and levels of education, including different fields of study, vocational training, formal education, high school diplomas, technical training, etc.

Promoting inclusive societies

Many migrants face challenges and exclusion that citizens might not encounter, such as a lack of access to financial credit or health services. They also often face other obstacles, including limited rights to start a business, a lack of local networks, unfamiliarity with the local business environment and language and cultural barriers (UNCTAD, IOM and UNHCR, 2018). Governments, businesses, education and health providers and community groups can take several steps to ensure equal opportunities for all, including migrants, to protect against discrimination and to facilitate the inclusion of migrants in their new communities. These include ensuring policies are inclusive, implementing anti-discrimination and anti-racism laws, and integration policies and programmes.

Figure 1. Central principles underpinning migrant integration

Source: IOM EMM 2.0, 2024

Inclusive policies ensure equal access to opportunities and resources for all individuals, regardless of background. Understanding how different groups are affected by policies and programmes requires disaggregated data, which examines sub-groups like women, men, children, and older people. This data helps identify disparities and allows for targeted interventions, such as educational support for young migrants or healthcare for elderly migrants, combating discrimination, racism, and inequality.

Anti-discrimination and anti-racism laws and policies are vital for protecting individuals from discrimination based on ethnicity, race, language, religion or other characteristics. This can also help ensure that differences in cultural practices and values do not lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Examining disparities and inequalities between different groups can inform efforts to combat discrimination and promote equality. This can help ensure all migrants are treated fairly and have their human rights protected. It also promotes social justice.

Well-supported migrants enhance social cohesion and encourage greater participation in and contributions to society. Many countries emphasize the significance of integration policies and programmes to assist migrants’ arrival and settlement in a new country (Chapter 6 World Migration Report 2020). Migrant integration is the process by which migrants become a part of their new community in the country of residence, and fosters inclusion and social cohesion.

To support integration, many countries provide information in multiple languages, helping migrants with employment, community integration and providing other support services. Integration strategies often focus on (Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, 2024):

• Ensuring access to essential services, like housing, food,education;

• Promoting social integration, for example through language classes, community-building initiatives and cultural events and festivals;

• Facilitating labour market entry, such as through job trainings and recognition of qualifications; and

• Securing documents and regular status.