Generalised mobility

Human mobility has reached unprecedented levels in the 21st century.

Every day, tens of millions of individuals move for economic, professional, family, or tourist reasons, whether temporarily or permanently. International migrations and tourism mobility underscore the prominence of a hyper-nomadic world.

This analysis will explore the factors and implications of this global phenomenon. We will then review trends in international tourism mobility and finally, examine mobility, transport, and planning challenges in France.

#1. A global phenomenon

#A. Increasing number of migrations and locations

#a) A variety of factors

Each day, thousands cross borders for economic, political, or climate-related reasons. For migrants, the motives may include:

  • Escaping poverty in countries with low HDI, such as parts of sub-Saharan Africa like Niger;
  • Fleeing conflict, such as the war in Ukraine which has triggered significant migration to neighbouring and European countries;
  • Avoiding persecution, like the Uyghurs leaving Xinjiang in China;
  • Working abroad for a company (61% of migrants are workers);
  • Escaping increasingly hostile climates, a trend exacerbated by global warming, as seen in the aftermath of floods in South Asia and hurricanes in the Caribbean.

#b) Growing number of migrants

According to recent UN and IOM (International Organisation for Migration) data, the number of international migrants has risen significantly. In 2022, estimates suggested over 281 million people lived outside their country of origin, reflecting a continuous growth trend driven by economic, political, and climate crises.

Despite this rise, the proportion of migrants in the global population has remained around 3.6%. Projections indicate that by 2030, migration numbers could exceed 300 million, influenced by new migration patterns and policies.

#c) Actors involved in migrations

The actors involved in migration are varied:

  • International companies: Transnational corporations (TNCs) continue to send employees abroad, contributing to professional migration.
  • Governments: States implement policies that fluctuate between openness and restriction, influenced by economic needs and public sentiment.
  • International organisations: The UN and other bodies, such as the IOM, play critical roles in managing migration flows and assisting displaced people.
  • Regional agencies: Frontex, the EU’s border agency, has expanded its scope to address increasing challenges related to border security and irregular migration.

#d) Regions of departure and arrival

Main regions of departure include:

  • Central and Andean America, impacted by socio-political instability.
  • North, West, and East Africa, driven by economic challenges and conflict.
  • China, India, and Southeast Asia, influenced by a blend of economic aspirations and environmental pressures.

Main regions of arrival include:

  • North America, with significant inflows to the US and Canada.
  • Western Europe, which continues to attract diverse migrant groups, especially in light of recent geopolitical shifts such as the Ukraine conflict.
  • The Persian Gulf, increasingly seen as a destination for both skilled and semi-skilled workers due to economic diversification efforts.

#B. Multi-scale human flows

#a) International migrations

Developed countries host 57% of migrants, with newer hotspots such as Gulf states attracting talent through digital nomad visas and other incentives. Europe alone hosts approximately 87 million migrants, reflecting changes driven by economic and humanitarian needs.

The US remains a leading host with around 51 million migrants, demonstrating the continuing appeal of North America despite evolving immigration policies.

#b) Regional migrations

Migration predominantly remains regional. For example:

  • Intra-European Mobility: 67% of European migrants are from within the continent, influenced by EU mobility policies.
  • Intra-African Migration: 53% of African migrants stay within the continent, highlighting economic and climate-driven movements.
  • Intra-Asian Flows: 60% of Asian migrants move within Asia, often driven by labour opportunities in fast-growing economies like the Gulf states.

#c) New forms of international migration

Regions like the EU have promoted worker mobility through initiatives such as the Blue Card scheme.

The rise of digital nomad visas in countries like Portugal and Thailand has also reshaped migration patterns, attracting remote workers seeking cost-effective, high-quality living environments.

Additionally, climate migration is on the rise. Reports from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) suggest that by 2050, tens of millions may need to move due to environmental pressures, especially in vulnerable regions like South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

#C. Multiple challenges

#a) Economic challenges

Migrations carry significant economic implications:

  • Migrants contribute to the economic growth of host countries through their labour. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many sectors such as healthcare and logistics relied heavily on migrant workers.
  • Remittances: updated World Bank figures show that remittances reached over $700 billion globally in 2022, demonstrating their vital role in supporting economies like the Philippines and Nepal. Remittances account for over 30% of GDP in countries like Somalia and Tonga.

#b) Cultural challenges

International migrations facilitate cultural mixing, with cities like Dubai, Istanbul, Paris, New York, and London becoming major hubs for diverse communities.

The rise of global diasporas continues to strengthen cultural ties, fostering both integration and, in some cases, tension with local populations.

#c) Social tensions

Social and political tensions between host communities and migrants have increased, particularly in response to large-scale arrivals. This has led to stricter border policies in regions such as Europe and North America. Public perceptions often cast migratory flows as challenges to security and social cohesion, prompting policy shifts such as the reinforcement of border security and the construction of barriers.

However, the right to mobility remains a reaffirmed universal human right as recognised in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasising the continuing dialogue around balancing national interests and human rights.