Migration Trends and Policy Implications. In 'Innocenti Social Monitor 2004. Economic Growth and Child Poverty in the CEE/CIS and the Baltic States'
This chapter of the Innocenti Social Monitor of 2004 examines migration patterns across Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States since 1989 and the impact of migration on children (aged up to 18) and young people (aged 15-24). The article explores the role of migration within the international and internal context and the migration experiences of young people in the Russian North and Albania. Within the context of international migration, the discussion shows that children who migrate have the potential to benefit from resources and opportunities that might not be available to them in their former places of residence, for example, a higher standard of living, access to possibly better education and other public services. However, adjustments can be difficult: migrants may have to cope with a new language, children may struggle at school and may face discrimination or exclusion, both at the official and personal level. Within the context of internal migration, especially rural-urban migration, a mismatch is observed between supply and demand for public services, including health and education. For example, in Serbia and Montenegro, physical school space is in short supply in urban areas. Considering the impact of young people's migration, it is noted that the younger and better educated young people in the Northern parts of Russia and Albania have higher probability of migrating. Despite representing a demographic loss to the regions, remittances sent home by these migrants can be important in supporting families' living standards in the community of origin. The section concludes that most countries considered in this paper are in need of better information about cross-border and internal migrants, which includes data on migrant origin, employment and the length of stay. Furthermore, many migrants need better advice services about their rights and opportunities, both before they leave their home country, and after they arrive in the host country.