Thrive Together
By valuing and leveraging the talent of migrants, equitable cities create opportunities for all residents.
While the humanitarian need is well understood, the economic argument for integrating migrants into local labor markets is also gaining a foothold. As populations age, cities can find the talent they need to keep their communities vibrant and economically competitive by embracing the arrival of young migrants. The economic benefits immigrants bring extend well beyond the workforce. Immigrant-owned businesses have helped revitalize communities by employing community members, strengthening the tax base, and growing the local economy. Welcoming newcomers also brings more social and cultural vitality to cities, with diverse ideas and perspectives that fuel innovation.
However, many obstacles stand in the way of the contributions migrants can make. Language barriers, unfamiliarity with the local job market, discrimination, and restrictive policies often limit the ability of migrants to access formal employment. This often forces them to engage in unregulated work, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation. Economic exclusion not only hinders their ability to contribute as employees, entrepreneurs, taxpayers, and consumers in their destination cities, but also to provide a development dividend to their cities of origin in the form of remittances.
Cities are finding ways to lower these barriers and harness the economic energy of new arrivals with initiatives that also empower other marginalized communities. For example, by improving access to financial services, cities are unlocking the economic potential of migrants and other categories of “unbanked” residents. Cities are also creating opportunities for migrants to generate income despite rigid labor markets and legal restrictions, through cash-for-work programs and paid training schemes. By supporting immigrant-owned businesses as part of mainstream economic development strategies, cities are creating business-friendly regulatory environments that not only benefit migrants, but others trying to start or sustain a business.
Explore the strategic approaches below:
