By the editorial team
In 2022, the European Union issued nearly 3.7 million new residence permits, marking an increase compared to previous years. Asylum applications also rose, totaling 875,000 cases, a significant 52% increase from 2021 and a 38% increase from 2019, excluding the influx from Ukraine.
As of January 1, 2022, 23.8 million non-European citizens were residing in Europe, representing 5.3% of the EU population. Three-quarters of them were in Germany, Spain, France, and Italy. When including those who have acquired European nationality, the total number of individuals born outside the EU stands at 38 million, or 8.5% of the total population.
Regular migration overwhelmingly dominates, with only 6.6% of entries into the EU in 2023 considered irregular. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) emphasizes that most migrants move safely through regular channels, thus tempering concerns related to irregular immigration.
Migration, often framed as a problem, also presents opportunities
In 2021, the EU recorded 2.26 million immigrants from other continents, while 2.5 million people emigrated from the EU in the same year. Notably, internal migration within the EU represents a significant portion, with 13.7 million European citizens living in another member country.
Ola Henrikson from the IOM emphasizes that migration, often framed as a problem, also presents opportunities. Without incoming migration flows, the EU population would have decreased by 500,000 people in 2019, highlighting the importance of migration in countering demographic decline.
Migrants contribute to the labor market
Migrants contribute to the labor market, with 9.93 million non-EU nationals employed in 2022, accounting for 5.1% of the workforce. However, structural barriers and discrimination persist, especially in the lower employment rate of foreigners compared to nationals.
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the essential role of migrants, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, catering, construction, administrative services, logistics, and domestic work. The EU seeks to adapt its regulations to attract healthcare professionals and personal services workers to meet growing needs, demonstrating the importance of migrants in essential fields.
Intra-African migration remains a significant phenomenon
Meanwhile, according to the latest available data, intra-African migration remains a significant phenomenon. In 2021, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) estimated that nearly 21 million people were displaced within the continent due to conflicts, humanitarian crises, and natural disasters.
Additionally, according to the African Union Commission, economic migrations have also contributed to population mobility within the continent, with a steady increase in movements for employment and education opportunities. These figures underscore the extent of intra-African migration and highlight the need for a collaborative approach among African countries to facilitate regular circulation while addressing challenges related to protecting migrants’ rights and creating environments conducive to their integration.
