Debunking The 8 Most Common Myths About Migration: A Closer Look at the Reality
In today's world, migration is a topic that often sparks heated debates and is fuelled by misconceptions. As we navigate these complex discussions, it's important to separate fact from fiction. Let's explore some of the most pervasive myths about migration and uncover the truth behind them.
A group of children
Here are the eight common misconceptions that we encounter in our work:
Myth 1: Refugees Are Mainly Men
Many people believe that most refugees are young men looking for jobs instead of safety. However, this view doesn't show the whole story.
The reality: According to UNHCR data, half of all refugees are women and girls. The perception of a male-dominated refugee population often stems from the dangerous nature of many refugee journeys, and in many instances push factors that disproportionately impact men. For instance, in Eritrea, men face compulsory military service, and in Afghanistan, men are at risk of Taliban conscription. While it’s true that these factors can lead to a higher proportion of men fleeing these specific countries. It’s also true that women face higher risks of assault and exploitation during journeys of migration which may deter some from undertaking them, sending men first and hoping they can join them using a safer route.
Myth 2: Refugees Must Seek Asylum in the First Safe Country
We often hear the belief that refugees are obligated to claim asylum in the ‘first safe country’ they reach. This misconception leads to unfair judgments of people's motives for seeking refuge in specific countries.
The truth: The Geneva Convention, (which outlines refugee rights), doesn't require asylum seekers to claim refuge in the first safe country they enter. Safety is a complex concept that goes beyond immediate physical danger. It encompasses access to housing, food, work opportunities, and long-term stability. Many of the ‘first safe countries’ people arrive to may be free from war of conflict, but this does not mean they provide a safe, stable future with options to avoid deportation, gain legal status or claim asylum.
People may choose a particular country for various reasons, such as:
Family connections
Language familiarity
Cultural similarities
Better long-term prospects for integration and rebuilding their lives
Myth 3: People should take legal routes
Some argue that refugees should always use legal routes to seek asylum. This perspective overlooks the harsh realities and lack of options faced by those fleeing their home country.
The facts: For most people fleeing their homes, legal routes are scarce or non-existent. This lack of safe, legal options forces many to resort to dangerous alternatives, such as paying smugglers for hazardous sea or land crossings. These dangerous journeys have tragic consequences. Since 2014, hundreds have drowned in the English Channel, and over 25,000 have lost their lives in the Mediterranean, making it one of the world's deadliest migration routes.
Myth 4: Refugees Are an Economic Burden
The idea that refugees drain resources without contributing to their host countries is an unfounded and persistent myth. This view fails to recognise the diverse ways refugees enrich their new communities, not taking in to account how much they have to offer.
The evidence: Research shows that migration often leads to economic growth and can help reduce unemployment. Refugees bring valuable skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural diversity that more often than not invigorates local economies and communities.
Myth 5: Migrants and Refugees Take Jobs from Locals
The fear that migrants and refugees will displace local workers is common but often unfounded. In reality, they fill crucial gaps in the workforce.
The truth: Migrants and refugees frequently take on essential roles in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, construction, and hospitality.
Myth 6: Migration Is getting worse!
Some view current “migration” patterns and numbers as unprecedented. However, this perspective often overlooks the long history of human movement.
The reality: Migration has been constant throughout human history. From ancient Roman traders to 19th-century European emigrants, people have always moved in search of better opportunities or safety.
Today's migration patterns might seem more prominent due to global media coverage and faster travel options, however, the fundamental reasons people migrate – safety, opportunities, and a better life – remain unchanged.
Myth 7: Migration Only Affects Wealthy Countries
It's easy to assume that only affluent nations deal with significant migration. However, this view doesn't reflect the global reality of refugee hosting.
The facts: The countries hosting the largest number of refugees are not wealthy nations. For example:
Jordan, with a population of just over 10 million, hosts about 710,000 refugees
Pakistan supports a significant number of people from Afghanistan
Uganda has become a welcoming home for many from South Sudan
Iran hosts numerous Afghan refugees despite its economic challenges
Turkey also supports a substantial refugee population
These five countries are among the top refugee-hosting nations globally, demonstrating that migration impacts countries across the economic spectrum.
Myth 8: Everyone Wants to Come to the UK or Western Europe
The belief that all refugees are aiming to reach the UK or Western Europe is another common misconception. In reality, many people seeking safety prefer to stay closer to home.
The truth: Many individuals fleeing conflict choose to move to neighbouring countries with similar cultural backgrounds. For instance, during the Syrian conflict, many Syrians found refuge in nearby countries like Jordan and Turkey.
Factors such as cultural familiarity, language similarities, and the challenges of long-distance relocation often make nearby countries a more practical choice for those seeking safety. Most people who have experienced displacement never chose or wanted to leave their home countries, and their ultimate goal would be to return.
In Conclusion
By understanding the challenges faced by those seeking safety and addressing these issues with empathy and accurate information, rather than assumptions, we can create a kinder, safer, and fairer future for everyone.
Actions you can take:
Read the other deeper learning articles in this series
Listen to the Asylum Speakers Podcast
Read our books Asylum Speakers and Bobble
Share what you have learnt here where you hear this views come up in conversation