DETERMINANTS AND CURRENT TRENDS OF MIGRATION PROCESSES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the main factors and emerging trends influencing international migration flows from developing countries. It focuses on the complex interplay of economic disparities, political instability, demographic pressures, environmental challenges, and the quality of governance, which collectively shape migration dynamics. Special emphasis is placed on the role of young people, who constitute the majority of migrants from these regions, driven by limited opportunities, unemployment, and aspirations for better living conditions abroad. Through a comparative approach utilizing three key global indices — the Human Development Index (HDI), Henley Passport Index, and Fragile States Index — the study explores differences in mobility potential and constraints faced by populations across various developing countries. It highlights that countries with medium and high development levels, such as China, Mexico, Turkey, Argentina, and Brazil, tend to have stronger institutional frameworks, greater travel freedom, and more established migration networks that facilitate legal labor migration and integration abroad. Conversely, inhabitants of the least developed nations encounter significant barriers to mobility, including stringent visa requirements, weak state capacity, and economic hardships, often resulting in forced migration or displacement due to conflicts and crises. The paper also reviews common destinations for migrants from these countries, identifying a clear pattern where individuals from more developed developing nations predominantly migrate to high-income countries like the United States, Canada, and the European Union. In contrast, migrants from the poorest countries tend to move regionally, often to neighboring states or Gulf countries, where labor demand is high despite often challenging working conditions. Overall, the findings underscore the multifaceted nature of migration from developing countries and highlight the need for nuanced migration policies that account for varying national contexts, socio-economic realities, and the structural inequalities that limit migration options for vulnerable populations. Addressing these factors is crucial to managing migration flows effectively and fostering sustainable development in both origin and destination countries.