(VOVworld)- Europe is facing the most serious wave of migrants in decades. Economists have different forecasts about the situation in Europe. In addition to challenges posed by the migrant crisis, they anticipate migrants’ contributions to economic growth and the labor force in migrant-recipient countries.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that more than half a million people have entered Europe since early this year. More than 350,000 out of 4 million Syrian people have registered for asylum because of war and hunger in their home country. Thousands of people attempt to enter Europe every day despite significant danger.
Benefits brought by migrants
According to the European Organization of Cooperation and Development, since 2014 migrants have accounted for 70% of the additional labor force in Europe. Migrants have increased the average labor age and labor volume there.
The number of migrants to the EU tripled this year and will soon reach 2 million. They are expected to become major contributors to economic growth in the migrant-recipient countries, thereby increasing overall the GDP of the European Union. Experts say Europe lacks a young, dynamic labor force due to low birth rates in the region. Migrants arriving from poor, war-ravaged countries will fill this gap. Their participation in the labor force will boost GDP and the taxes they pay will help balance the budget.
Are opportunities greater than challenges?
But receiving migrants also poses a lot of challenges for EU countries. It’s hard for the migrants, used to living in danger and poverty, to integrate into a new community where people live in safety and wealth. Without integration, there will be discrimination and class distinctions. During the past few months, protests against migrants have spread out throughout Europe, especially following the announcement of migrant quota. With unemployment increasing in several countries, 11% in France, 22% in Spain and 25% in Greece, the receipt of migrants will put additional burdens on society. The wave of migrants will squeeze the funds that pay for health care services, unemployment, pensions and education.
Terrorists and criminals are likely to mingle with the migrants to gain entry to Europe. EU security agencies in Germany estimate that about 100 of the refugees are known criminals. There are about 2 IS suspects in every 100 Syrian migrants to Europe.
On top of prolonged financial crisis, Europe is now facing a migrant crisis which could permanently change its character.