In relation to the xenophobic and racist discourse surrounding migration, ActionAid stresses the need for a realistic and objective reflection on the right of all people to lead a dignified life. Various reports, including that of the World Bank, indicate that 85% of migrants' income benefits the economies of host countries, while the remaining 15% is sent back to their countries of origin in the form of remittances. This shows that migration is positive for both receiving and sending countries.
However, the idea that increased development aid will reduce migration is questionable. A report by the Centre for Global Development points out that a significant impact on migration flows would require much higher and sustained levels of funding over generations. Moreover, the Spanish government, for example, has reduced its investment in development aid by 70 per cent in the last decade, bringing it down to 0.22 per cent of gross national income.
Beyond trying to curb migration with restrictions, there is a need to rethink policies and focus on addressing the root causes of migration. In 2017, migrants sent US$596 billion in remittances, of which US$450 billion went to developing countries, three times more than global official development assistance. This picture suggests that migration is not only sustainable, but also drives economic growth in different regions of the world.