The Impact of ‘Migration Potential’ on the Economic and Demographic Development of Donor and Recipient Countries

Abstract

The phenomenon of global migration exerts a substantial impact on nations, organizations, and individuals, yet the focus of scholarly discourse on the potential of migrants has historically not paralleled the magnitude of this phenomenon. This study brings into focus the often-neglected dual nature of immigrant potential, impacting both countries that receive migrants (recipient countries) and those from which migrants originate (donor countries). Prior research within the Russian context predominantly examined the potential of compatriots in post-independence neighboring countries or the potential related to internal migration and the redistribution of human and labor resources regionally. Prevailing perspectives have largely been confined to examining the migration potential of specific socio-demographic groups within defined territories, often characterized by distinct ethnic features. This research illuminates the dual aspect of external migrant potential. It elucidates how migrants contribute significantly to the development of host countries, while donor countries also reap considerable benefits from the migratory capabilities and engagements of their citizens in foreign employment.The objective of this article is to augment theoretical paradigms in the study of "migration potential," conceptualizing it as an integrative system that combines quantitative and qualitative attributes of a highly mobile and motivated populace. The paper seeks to delineate the conceptual framework of migration potential, establish its structural composition, and elucidate the mechanisms and factors through which migrant potential influences the economic and demographic progress of both recipient and donor nations.Findings: The study delineates the constituent components of the functional sub-potentials (subcomponents) within the broader construct of "migration potential," synthesizing these through a meticulous examination of extant Russian and international academic literature. Migration potential is approached as a variable that is both fluid and subject to modification. The research critically analyzes the multifaceted impacts – both advantageous and adverse – of migration on diverse sectors of life in donor and recipient countries. A case in point is the correlation between the educational potential and the intellectual prowess of highly skilled migrants, which significantly contributes to innovation within the host regions. Conversely, a deficiency in the integration potential of external migrants may precipitate xenophobic tendencies among native populations. From the perspective of donor countries, the influx of remittances stands out as a pivotal and transformative element within the broader context of global migration.