Migration Myths

According to the United Nations agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), there were 281 million international migrants worldwide as of 2020. The main causes of involuntary or forced migration are wars, poverty, and the global climate crisis. Most of these involuntary migrants originate from underdeveloped countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, which disproportionately bear the burden of these conflicts, economic hardships, and environmental challenges. The preferred destinations for these migrants are developed Western countries, which are often viewed as being largely responsible for the aforementioned issues. Recent elections in the US and Europe have propelled migration to the forefront of political debates, with anti-migrant sentiment reaching a fever pitch. What is urgently needed is a responsible and balanced discussion on this critical issue. In this programme, we aim to provide the audience with a range of perspectives. We will hear from migrants (including undocumented domestic workers who are members of the FNV Migrant Domestic Workers Union), as well as migration law experts, economic analysts, and policymakers. Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to efforts to find a win-win solution to this sensitive and pressing issue that Dutch society continues to grapple with.