Mon Dec 01 05:32:47 UTC 2025: Here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:
Migration to Rich Countries Slows as Visa Rules Tighten, Economic Growth Falters
Paris – Work-related migration to wealthy nations has seen a significant downturn, falling by over 20% in the past year, according to new data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including weaker labor markets, tighter visa policies in countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada, and a less favorable global economic outlook.
The OECD reports that permanent work migration admissions dropped to around 934,000 in 2024, a substantial decrease from previous years. While stricter visa regulations played a key role, particularly in the UK where net migration fell sharply, labor migration also decreased in many EU countries even without policy changes.
Economists point to a global economic slowdown, compounded by trade tensions, as a major contributing factor. However, humanitarian migration continues to rise, with asylum applications increasing, partially offsetting the decline in work and student migration. Student migration also fell, down 13% because of tighter visa policies following fraud complaints.
Despite the overall slowdown, total permanent migration to OECD countries remained slightly above pre-pandemic levels, but is still down 4% from its peak in 2023. Experts like Jean-Christophe Dumont of the OECD suggest that while immigration might ease further in 2025, it will likely remain historically high.
While immigration has been credited with boosting employment in several countries, including the US and UK, it remains a highly charged political issue. Fabiola Mieres of the International Labour Organization emphasizes the need to address labor shortages in sectors heavily reliant on migrant workers by improving wages and working conditions, while acknowledging that immigration will remain a central debate in politics.
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