“The best way to decrease global disparities is to encourage the free movement of people across international borders.” Discuss this statement.

Refer to Paper 1 Section B markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials) when marking this question.

The actual and hypothetical migrations that are used to address this question should be international in nature. The actual and possible consequences of the movement should address whether or not disparities are or could be reduced as a result of this movement. A broad interpretation of disparities is possible and can be related to, for example: standard of living; human rights; gender rights; access to services.

Answers are likely to acknowledge that most international migrants move because they perceive that their lives will be better in the host nation. This perception will vary depending on the nature of the movement, for example refugees from Syria are fleeing for reasons of survival whereas a woman from the Philippines may be moving to Hong Kong to work as a domestic worker to improve her disposable income.

Whether or not the migration helps reduce global disparities is debatable and there are arguments for and against this.

Possible arguments for: Some low-income nations have their GNI boosted by remittances sent home from migrants working abroad. For example, in Tajikistan this amounts to almost 50 % of GNI. These amounts are often greater than ODA (Official Development Assistance) and go directly to families on the ground, hence improving their standard of living and stimulating development. Migration may provide pathways that provide social enlightenment in the home country. Migration also provides diaspora networks and improved skills through return migration. The extent to which this reduces disparities between nations is questionable though.

Possible arguments against: Seeing migration as a solution to inequality is very complex. Most migrants from low-income countries move into neighbouring nations that are also low-income. This is especially the case for forced migrations. Despite media reports focusing on Europe, a large number (1 million) of Syrian refugees have been forced into Lebanon, a nation that is already struggling to develop. The conditions in which some migrants find themselves in the host nation are also far from improved, for example Nepalese migrants working on construction sites in Qatar or trafficked women. Remittances can take away the incentive for states to invest in necessary reforms. Migration of skilled population may have negative economic and social consequences for the home country – eg migration of nurses from the Philippines.

Stronger responses may acknowledge that there is no quick-fix solution to reducing disparities and that it is highly unlikely in the global climate today that international borders are going to become easier to cross – quite the opposite is happening (USA – Trump’s attempted travel ban; Brexit). They may argue that there are better ways to reduce economic disparities (trade, aid, debt relief, market access) so that international migration is not perceived as the only solution.

At band D, expect responses to describe ways in which migrations could have an impact upon disparities.

For band E, expect either detailed explanation of ways in which global disparities can be decreased or some discussion of the effectiveness of free movement as a way of decreasing disparities.

For band F, expect both.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 section B markbands.