Global Migration and Religious Influence

Context:

A recent report by the Pew Research Center, titled “The Religious Composition of the World’s Migrants,” draws from United Nations data and 270 censuses and surveys to analyze migration trends. The findings reveal that in 2020, over 280 million people, accounting for 3.6% of the global population, were classified as international migrants. The study emphasizes the significant impact of religion on migration dynamics, affecting reasons for emigration and the experiences within host countries.

Relevance:

GS III: Population and Associated Issues

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key findings from the Report
2. Hindu Migration Patterns and Trends
3. Contributions of Diaspora Communities

Key findings from the Report

The key findings from the report regarding global migration patterns, particularly focusing on Indian demographics, are as follows:

• India’s Prominence in Global Migration: In 2020, India was recognized as the leading country for both Hindu emigrants and immigrants.
• Distribution of Hindu Population: There are 7.6 million Hindus from India living abroad, whereas about 3 million Hindus born in other countries are residing in India.
• Dominance of Christians in Global Migration: Christians form the largest group in the global migrant population, accounting for 47%.
• Religious Minorities and Migration from India:
  • Indian emigrants mainly come from religious minorities.
  • Christians, making up only 2% of India’s population, constitute 16% of its emigrants.
  • Muslims, who are 15% of India’s population, represent 33% of its emigrants.
• India as a Source for Muslim Migrants: India is the second-largest source of Muslim migrants globally, with significant numbers residing in the UAE (1.8 million), Saudi Arabia (1.3 million), and Oman (720,000).
• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Migration Dynamics:
  • The population of Indian migrants in the GCC has surged by 277% since 1990.
  • In these regions, 75% of migrants are Muslims, while Hindus and Christians make up 11% and 14%, respectively.
  • The GCC hosts 9.9 million Indian migrants.
• Global Migration Growth: Between 1990 and 2020, the number of international migrants rose by 83%, which significantly surpasses the global population growth rate of 47%.
• Migration Distance: On average, migrants travel about 2,200 miles.
• Religious Alignment and Migration: There is a trend of migrants relocating to countries where the predominant religion matches that of the source country’s population. This pattern suggests that cultural and religious familiarity plays a crucial role in determining the choice of destination and integration.

Hindu Migration Patterns and Trends:

• Proportion of Hindu Migrants: Hindus represent 5% of all international migrants with 13 million living abroad as of 2020, lower than their global population share of 15%.
• Migration Distance: Hindu migrants travel longer than the average international migrant, covering distances averaging 3,100 miles.
• Regional Distribution:
  • 44% of Hindu migrants are in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • 24% are in the Middle East-North Africa.
  • 22% in North America, with smaller numbers in Europe and negligible presence in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa.
• Primary Sources: The majority (95%) come from the Asia-Pacific region, particularly from India which is the leading source and home to 94% of the global Hindu population.
• Other Sources: Bangladesh and Nepal also have significant Hindu migrant populations.

Key Migration Routes:

• India to the US: The most prominent route with 1.8 million Hindus, driven by opportunities for employment and higher education.
• Bangladesh to India: Involving 1.6 million Hindus, this route is influenced by historical, social, and economic factors.

Contributions of Diaspora Communities:

• Economic Contributions: In 2022, diaspora communities from developing countries sent USD 430 billion in remittances.
• Impact on GDP: Remittances form a major part of the GDP in countries like Tajikistan (37%), Nepal (30%), and others.
• Investments: Diaspora invests in home-country businesses and government bonds, enhancing financial capital.
• Knowledge and Skills Transfer: Diaspora members bring back skills, knowledge, and expertise which can improve education, business practices, and governance in their home countries.
• Business Support: They use their global contacts and understanding of local customs to aid home-country businesses, improving efficiency and expanding into new markets.
• Specific Example: Indian executives in US tech companies have been pivotal in promoting outsourcing to India, illustrating the practical impact of diaspora connections on home-country economic development.

-Source: The Hindu