In simple terms, immigration is the act of permanently moving to and living in a foreign land, wherein different countries impose their own set of immigration policies.
Migration is not a new concept as groups, tribes and communities used to move around eons ago. In today’s context, various reasons are given as to why people choose to migrate, as they are drawn to foreign places by push and pull factors. Learning the reasons why people have to leave their own country may help you realize that some people do not have any other options but to move. Here are some of the reasons:
- In order to escape past as well as future persecution due to membership in a specific political or social group, nationality, religion or race. They often seek asylum or refugee status
- In order to escape violence or conflict in their country. Like item one, they can apply for asylum or refugee status
- To seek refuge due to displacement after natural disasters and environmental factors due to climate change
- To avail of excellent healthcare services
- To get away from poverty
- To provide more and better opportunities for their family, especially their children
- To reunite with family members
- To seek better education
- To find better business or job opportunities
- For marriage
In making the decision to migrate, several factors have to be considered. Aside from the personal, legal and economic factors, future migrants would greatly benefit from knowing the countries offering the best policies for immigration.
In reality, developed countries are reeling from the issue of the rising number of immigrants from developing countries. Some of these immigrants have not choice because they are victims of forced displacements while others are looking for a way to alleviate extreme poverty.
Immigration policies
Some experts believe that immigration policies, while important, are underused because many countries fail to employ them to promote development by reducing poverty. If migration is managed properly, it can lead to an increase in development instead of brain drain. For them, it increases the opportunities to improve the well-being and incomes of individuals as well as their families. It can be used as an economic tool because the home countries of immigrants can benefit from their remittances. They can initiate or improve trade relations between countries as well as step up the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
Many factors are likewise considered to rate each country’s immigration policies. The immigration policies of each country contain three aspects. These include the rich countries’ willingness to accept immigrants coming from developing countries. Another aspect is how immigrants are integrated by these countries and if these countries are participants in the various international assemblies to discuss migration.
One of the factors is the number of immigrants they allow to enter their country, such as the number of asylum seekers, refugees, students and migrants. The data is then compared to the country’s population. In previous years, that largest number of immigrants flocked to New Zealand and Australia vis-à-vis their population.
These two countries prefer students coming from developing nations. The Netherlands and Denmark are not very popular among foreign students because they think their languages are very difficult to learn. However, more asylum seekers and refugees are accepted by Sweden and the Netherlands. Poland and Japan do not accept many asylum seekers while South Korea, Slovakia and Portugal are not too open in accepting refugees.
Ratings of countries depend on the benefits the countries offer to the immigrants. Categories include permanent residency, access to nationality, anti-discrimination regulations, family reunion, and participation in political affairs, healthcare and education.
It is vital to understand that the immigration policies of each country reflect its political, social and economic conditions, which is why they vary from country to country.
Countries with the best immigration policies
When you plan to immigrate, you should be ready for life-changing opportunities. It can be exciting and exhilarating, but you should also be prepared to adapt to a completely different way of life. Whatever reason you may have, here are some of the countries to choose from, which are considered to have the best immigration policies.
Australia
One of the favorite destinations of British immigrants is Australia. The country, which is a part of the British Commonwealth, means that the British immigrants will have a shorter adjustment period since the way of life is almost similar to that of their home country. Of course, Australia has better weather than Britain and the lifestyle is more relaxed. The quality of life is better. Australia accepts other immigrants as well, although their immigration policies are stricter. Some of the top cities favored by immigrants are Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Younger families will fare better, especially the skilled and professional migrants who are seeking employment. Australia has a ceiling on employable age, accepting only those who are 45 years old or younger.
Mexico
With the number of Mexicans wanting to migrate to the United States and other countries, you’d think that Mexico is not a favorite among migrants. However, Mexico’s attraction is its warm climate and the low cost of living. Moreover, the welcoming culture of the country adds to its charm.
Iceland
Borrowing an expression from millennials, Iceland is ”very Instagram-worthy.” That is difficult to refute, as the country is known for its picture perfect attractions shaped by Mother Nature. Iceland is also considered as one of the world’s most peaceful countries, so the security risk for migrants is very low or almost non-existent.
Canada
Many English speakers choose to immigrate to the English-speaking parts of Canada. The country is a comfortable place to live, with many amenities and opportunities available to immigrants. Canada is vast, with plenty of unpolluted and green areas that help promote healthier living. The crime rate in Canada is low and the standard of living is high. Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary are favorite destinations, which are also some of the most livable cities in the world.
Finland
Finland is a Nordic country that also has plenty of green spaces. Its capital, Helsinki, is likewise ranked as one of the most livable cities on earth. If you are after personal security and freedom, you do not have to worry if Finland is where you want to live because it boasts of being the world’s safest country.
Norway
Norway, a neighbor of Finland, is another very safe and livable country. Norway accepts refugees and it is partial to immigrants who come to study or work in the country. It has a high standard of living and stable economy. Many families migrate to Norway to start a better life and others migrate to work in the country.
Immigrants from countries with temperate climate may find it difficult to withstand the long and very cold winters in the Nordic countries, though.
These are just some of the countries with immigration policies that are very friendly to immigrants from various parts of the world.
In 2017, the countries in the list published by the U.S. News include the following:
- United States
- Saudi Arabia
- Germany
- Russia
- United Kingdom
- United Arab Emirates
- France
- Canada
- Australia
- Spain
It is inevitable that the list changes annually, as immigration reforms and other factors change the perception of immigrants. For example, Canada gained the top spot in 2018. Sweden moved to third spot. Switzerland, Australia and Germany make up the top five in 2018.
Immigrants in Canada say that they enjoy the multiculturalism of the country. For them, it’s a bonus that they are able to meet and speak with people from different cultures without worrying about accents and skin colors. The country’s stable economy is another factor why many people want to live in Canada.
Most immigrants give the same reasons when asked why they decided to leave their home country. They cited income equality, economic stability and good job opportunities as their common reasons. They also say that they just believe that they want to live in the country they chose. Others say that they still love their home country although they feel that there’s something missing, that their country cannot fill.
We’d like to hear from you. If you were considering migrating, where would you like to go?
Need translation of your legal documents?
Immigrating involves plenty of paperwork and if you are coming from a country where English is not spoken, all your documents that are not written in English should be translated and certified.
We offer translation at its finest. Our legal translations at Day Translations, Inc. for immigration purposes are accepted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Our legal translators are native speaking subject matter experts. They have the experience and the proper training to provide highly professional and accurate legal document translation for every purpose. As our translators live in-country, they have full knowledge of their country’s culture, legal system and language. So contact Day Translations immediately when you need legal translation. Call us at 1-800-969-6853 or send us an email at Contact us anytime, as we are open 24 hours a day, throughout the year.