Last Updated on May 6, 2021 by themigrationnews
There is a growing interconnection between globalization on the one hand and migration (both intra and interstate) on the other[i]. Based on many scholars, the number of undocumented migrants from Africa to Europe has increased. The push factors of this migration include continuous conflicts in some nations resulting in the collapse of economic activities[ii], thereby increasing the poverty level of affected nations. As well, there exists increasing political oppression, poor governance, and corruption on the continent which invariably affect national development[iii]. Environmental degradation and other environmental issues also contribute as the push factors.
There is already a huge disparity between developing countries of the world and developed countries . According to the World Bank classification, most African nations fall into the category of developing countries[i]. The high quality of life, developed economy and advanced technological infrastructure of the developed countries made them more attractive to Africa migrants.This ,in turn, put heavy pressure on the government of the European Union and North American countries to formulate strict policies on immigration and emigration
To further discuss the topic, Ruth Okoirhon was interviewed to understand her views. She is a Migration Consultant, Communications Specialist, and International Development Practitioner. Okoirhonis a Nigerian, who currently works with SEEFAR as Field Counselor on a migrant project in Lagos, Nigeria. Ruth organizes events to raise awareness amongst Nigerian individuals about the dangers of irregular migration to Europe. She also conducts individual and small group consultations with Nigerian potential migrants to understand their perspectives of migration and help them with information about the risks and challenges of irregular migration, especially both in transit and in destination countries. Even more, Okoirhonprovides psychosocial support to vulnerable beneficiaries supports beneficiaries with their exploration of livelihood alternatives.
Solomon Obanla: As a migration consultant, what’s your view on Africa migration and how it impacts globalization?
Ruth Okoirhon: Africa migration is multifaceted, people migrate for studies, jobs, reunification, businesses, etc. Migration is necessary for globalization because migrants also contribute to the economy and technological progress of their destination countries. A lot of African migrants have acquired skills and contribute to the human capital development of both their transit and destination countries.
Solomon Obanla:Kindly share your opinion on the nexus between migrations of citizens of developing countries to developed countries and vice versa?
Ruth Okoirhon: It is easy to think that migration is one-dimensional, albeit citizens of developing countries migrate more to developed countries. So it’s slightly tilted, however, citizens from developed countries also migrate to developing countries for humanitarian purposes or when they take up jobs. In the end, it’s a win-win situation whereby they deploy their talent & skills in the host countries.
Soloman Obanla : What are the positive and negative effects of migration of Africans?
Ruth Okoirhon: The positive effect of African migration cannot be over emphasized.
Remittances represent a high percentage of Africa’s GDP.
Africans in the diaspora are being given political appointments and becoming board members of foreign organizations.
On the flip side, brain drain and underdevelopment are some negative effects. We see mass export of skilled professionals outside Africa.
Solomon Obanla: How has globalization affected Africa positively and negatively?
Ruth Okoirhon: Whilst globalization may be a tool for advancement, I am partly convinced that it is tilted more as neocolonialism, evident in the various policies of some developed countries.
Solomon Obanla: Irregular migration is on the increase in Africa. Can we also link this to globalization?
Ruth Okoirhon: Of course! Humans have the right to migrate but this culture of migrants entering a country and remaining there, undocumented, is influenced by globalization – most of the home countries of these migrants may not afford them a platform for decent wages, security, good healthcare, etc. Hence they prefer to remain irregular migrants than return to their country of origin.
Solomon Obanla: Do you think Nigerian government is doing enough to curtail irregular migration in the country?
Ruth Okoirhon: To curtail irregular migration requires a holistic approach – from making irregular migration undesirable to putting laws in place and enforcing punishment of offenders. The Government should ask the question “why do citizens take the irregular route despite the dangers it portends”, the answer should help them strategize and collaborate with the relevant agencies, to curb it.
Solomon Obanla: Do you think the fundamental human rights of Africa migrants are fully respected outside her continent?
Ruth Okoirhon: “No place is like home”. African migrants still contend with racism, unemployment or under-employment, integration hurdles in their host communities.
The citizens over there see them as “intruders” who have come to jostle their jobs with them and would do anything, to protect what they think is theirs.
Solomon Obanla: What can the international community do differently to ensure that migrant’s rights are fully respected?
Ruth Okoirhon: Migration is a complex phenomenon, just like human behavior. It is time to address this because wishing it away won’t change the reality.
They need to create win-win migration policies. It is time to address the challenges and find applicable solutions.
Solomon Obanla: Your final remark
Ruth Okoirhon: Migration is necessary for globalization. Simply put, Migration is a globalization tool.
[i]John K. Akokpari, Journal Article, ‘GLOBALIZATION AND MIGRATION IN AFRICA’, https://www.jstor.org/stable/24487392
[ii]https://www.insee.fr/en/metadonnees/definition/c1632
[iii]https://bluemington.com/national-development-meaning-scope/
[iv]https://www.economicsdiscussion.net/economic-development/developed-and-developing-countries-world-bank-classification-economics/30010
Solomon Obanla is a trained diplomat, migration consultant, social researcher, gender and peacebuilding analyst, peer educator, facilitator, and community mobilizer. He obtained a master’s degree in Gender and Peacebuilding at Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal, and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Twitter @obanla_oluwafe