Case study 7: Voluntary international migration from Poland to the UK

Question 1

What was the main political cause of the international migration from Poland to the UK?

Answer 1

Poland entered the EU in 2004: Poles had the right to start living in the UK freely.

Question 2

What were the main push factors of international migration from Poland to the UK?

Answer 2

High unemployment. Youth unemployment = 40% ; Unemployment in rural areas = 40%
GDP per capita 12,700 pounds.

Question 3

What are the main pull factors of international migration from Poland to the UK?

Answer 3

UK low unemployment = 5%
High demand for unskilled labour (so better paid, following the supply and demand rule)
GDP per capita 30,900 pounds.

Question 4

What are the benefits for the UK of international migration from Poland to the UK?

Answer 4

2.5 billion pounds contributed to the UK economy.
Young migrants helps to cope with aging population.
Took lower paid wages + jobs where workers where needed (e.g. Nursing)

Question 5

What are the concerns for the UK of international migration from Poland to the UK?

Answer 5

Tensions between British and poles.
Increased demand for housing.
Remittance payments: high proportion of wages being sent to Poland and not to the UK economy.

Question 6

What are the benefits for Poland of the international migration from Poland to the UK?

Answer 6

• 50% of Poles have returned to their country: with money and skills acquired; stimulates economy.
• Remittance payments: so Polish families made richer.

Question 7

What are the concerns fr Poland of the international migration from Poland to the UK?

Answer 7

• Brain drain of skilled workers seeking for employment.

- Loss of entrepreneurship as those who leave are the biggest risk takers.

Question 8

Number of Poles that have migrated to the UK

Answer 8

800,000

Question 9

PSD for international migration from Poland to the UK

Answer 9

Most Polish migrants come from cities in Eastern Poland (which is poorer) like Lublin.