- Humans have been known to migrate from one location to another since time immemorial. It could be within a region, a state, a country, or even from one country to another. Even millennia ago, people moved across continents not only in search of greener pastures but also to start trade that benefited the global community as a whole. In the process, people movements ensured the widespread distribution of diverse cultures, traditions, cuisines, languages, and skill sets, benefiting the world’s inhabitants by opening up previously unknown practices. The practice of migrating people from all walks of life, which began millennia ago, has only grown stronger, reaching across the entire globe.
PC: Josh Fordham
- Man-made international borders appeared to be obliterated as the global community witnessed tremendous evolution in terms of technology-driven developments, innovations, inventions, and growth prospects for all. The digital revolution has rendered those boundaries superfluous, as technology has simply eliminated the need for demarcations. Of course, human endeavor has always driven individuals to seek glory by migrating as a means to achieve desired goals. This can be seen in professionals, skilled, unskilled, and even unskilled migrants who have overcome enough obstacles to reach foreign shores. Did you hear about brain drain? Whatever you want to call the trend.
- Even Lionel Messi, the most decorated footballer, and other similarly famous sports figures have embarked on a journey that has taken them away from the comforts of home to overseas locations in search of a living. Messi is said to be on his way to the Americas after spending his entire professional football career in Europe. Indeed, America has always welcomed skilled migrants. According to the UN, international migrants made up 3.5% of the global population in 2019. Many countries see the advantages of being open to them under certain conditions. Not everyone succeeds. In football, for example, Saudi Arabia, with the support of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, is luring players with astronomical salaries.
PC: Bloomberg
- As you are aware, nineteenth-century globalization saw large movements of people triggered by empires’ commercial needs. This movement resulted in the mixing of cultures and the birth of ideas that changed the world. Yes, borders were hardened after WWII, but not the need for people to move. The transcontinental courtship of Messi provides an opportunity to consider how much the world will benefit if it is easier for others, albeit less skilled, to seek greener pastures. Needless to say, a bunker mentality breeds stagnation. The question here is whether the governments of different countries will allow the seamless movement of people in the altered equations of the world. The answer is improbable, and rightly so.
