Europe's Shifting Migration Landscape

The Rise of Anti-Migrant Sentiment

From Italy's asylum outsourcing plans to Austria's anti-migrant government, Europe is undeniably shifting to the right on migration. The upcoming German elections promise a similar trend, fueling a public debate marred by misinformation.

However, this debate often overlooks the perspectives of migrants themselves.

"Politicians play up fearmongering about border protection, pandering to some but not all voters," says Hardi Yakubu of Africans Rising.

The African Perspective on Migration

Yakubu highlights that most African migrants seek opportunities within the continent, not overseas. "We focus too much on the Western perspective, but there's an African perspective we're ignoring."

According to the UN, 80% of African migrants remain in Africa, migrating to neighboring countries or economic powerhouses like South Africa.

Yakubu argues that excluding these statistics victimizes migrants, making them less welcome and vulnerable to racism.

Xenophobia in Africa

Security concerns dominate migration rhetoric in the EU, despite the low volume of migrants crossing the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, xenophobia brews in some African countries.

"Zimbabwean migrants in South Africa face resentment over limited resources and jobs," says Dianne Hawker, a DW correspondent in Johannesburg. However, immigrants often fill essential gaps in the informal economy.

The Contribution of Migrants

Yakubu emphasizes the contributions of migrants to host economies and laments the loss of potential workers in countries of origin.

The ILO reports that 25% of European workers now have foreign backgrounds, suggesting a significant loss of human capital.

Many migrants also send remittances back home, supporting local economies in Africa.

African Governments and Migration

Yakubu critiques African governments for failing to provide alternatives to migration. "Many nations make it easier for foreigners to come to the continent than for Africans to move within it."

Hawker explains that both pull and push factors contribute to migration. In South Africa, Zimbabweans are driven by political instability at home.

Brain Drain and the Impact on Africa

Mass migration from countries like Zimbabwe leads to a measurable brain drain, weakening their economies despite remittances.

"We educate our people and then they contribute to society elsewhere," says Yakubu, highlighting the loss of talent and human capital.

Migration Beyond Europe

Yakubu advocates making Africa an attractive destination for immigration, not just a place to flee.

"We need to challenge the post-colonial narrative of Africa as a continent of failed states. People from all over the world should feel a sense of pride in our continent," he adds.

The Role of Technology and the Future of Migration

In some parts of Africa, pressure to welcome digital nomads is growing. However, this brings its own challenges, including rising housing costs for locals.

Hawker highlights that migration patterns evolve over time, with consequences for those affected.

"There's a generation of young people who don't want to be restricted by artificial borders," concludes Yakubu. "Migration should not be subject to arbitrary political rules."