Emigration, immigration
By Marjorie Henry, Contributor

Students at Norman Manley Comprehensive High School have a whale of a time during the STAR 'No Violence in Schools Tour', last November. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Today, I will focus on Objective 8, the last objective under the topic, 'Population and Settlement'. It states: 'Describe the pattern and consequences of international migration in one named Caribbean country within the last 20 years.'

You will recall that migration was discussed in a previous lesson. It was defined and the different forms were identified. Objective 8 refers to international migration, that is, movement across national boundaries between countries or to other continents such as North America.

Let me first of all share with you on the pattern of international migration in Jamaica within the past 20 years. Generally speaking, the pattern of movement for Jamaicans is to three main destinations, namely, the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom. The information that follows comes from the Economic and Social Survey of Jamaica 2001.

Destination countries

In 2001, emigrants from Jamaica, in relation to the three destination countries, were estimated at 16,673, a decrease from 2000 of 11.4 per cent. This comprised the U.S.A. numbering 13,609; Canada, 2,767; and the United Kingdom, 297. Emigration to the U.S.A. has been experiencing declines in recent years. In 1999, emigration was 14,733, surpassed only by 1994 as the lowest level in over 20 years. In 2000, emigration had decreased to 16,000, but declined by 14.9 per cent in 2001.

Migration to the U.S.A. continued to be age and sex-selective-favouring females and younger persons. Service occupations - 16.8 per cent, consistent with previous years, were the largest occupational category, followed by professional speciality - 3.6 per cent; and administrative support - 2.8 per cent. Declines were observed in most occupations, with sales experiencing the largest decrease at 44.6 per cent. Service and professional speciality occupations, however, experienced increases of 54.2 per cent and 11.7 per cent, respectively.

In 2001, emigration to Canada numbered 2,767, increasing by 12.9 per cent, compared with 2000 and was the highest recorded since 1997. Like the U.S.A., emigration to Canada was female-dominated, with females comprising 52.4 per cent and outnumbering males in all except the 26-45 age group. Emigration continued to be age-selective with 69.9 per cent of emigrants 35 years and under. The occupational distribution of migrant workers for 2000 and 2001 indicates that migration to Canada continues to be skill-selective. Professionals accounted for the largest occupational category at 10.7 per cent followed by service and precision production craft and repair at 9.5 per cent and 5.3 per cent, respectively.

A total of 297 persons emigrated to the U.K., 18.2 per cent less than the previous year. Migration levels to the U.K. continue to be low in contrast with outflows to U.S.A. and Canada, contributing only 1.8 per cent of total emigrants.

Outflows

Jamaica's population continues to experience higher levels of outflows than inflows. A total of 7,750 immigrants were estimated in 2001, increasing by 13.8 per cent, compared with 2000. Commonwealth citizens accounted for the largest category of immigrants at 36.0 per cent, followed closely by deportees at 32.3 per cent. Aliens comprised 1,253, increasing by 4.6 per cent, compared with 2000; while returning residents totalled 1,177, a reduction of 8.2 per cent. A total of 2,529 persons were deported to Jamaica in 2001, the highest number ever recorded, reflecting an increase of 46.2 per cent compared with 2000. U.S.A. was the primary sending country.

The number of returning residents has declined over the decade, falling to 1,177 in 2000 from a high of 2,587 in 1994, a decrease of 54.5 per cent. The flow of returning residents was largest from the U.K. Jamaica experienced a net gain from migrants to the U.K. as the number of immigrants (returning residents and deportees) more than tripled that of emigrants.

Consequnces

Let us now look at the consequences of migration. By way of an introduction, I quote from the text Population Geography Conceptual Frameworks in Geography, written by Hazel R. Barrett: "The consequences of migration are complex, depending on the type of migration involved. Nevertheless, all migration affects the economic and social systems of both origin and destination, as well as influencing the migrant as an individual."

In the next lesson, I will share with you on the economic and social consequences of migration in Jamaica.

I close with a tip to help you manage your tasks: "If certain facts or details must be memorised, do not try to memorise all of them at one time."

Marjorie Henry is a vice-principal at Glenmuir High School and is head of the Geography Department. She teaches the subject at the CSEC Level.