Memorandum on the Financing of Voluntary Migration.

This paper deals with the financing aspect of voluntary migration. Although the emigration of people other than refugees can be called voluntary migration, one must on the other hand not lose sight of the fact that it is founded to a considerable extent on a necessity. And not the least important factor is the urge in the immigration countries to increase their economic and social possibilities. The position of the emigrant in the first instance is extremely weak compared with that of persons remaining in their home country and that of the inhabitants of the immigration country. If migrants are obliged during the initial period to sacrifice all their savings to repay the advances made to them, they will remain longer on the fringe of the new community. Amongst the parties which have an interest in migration, the receiving country undoubtedly occupies the most favourable position. Whereas the sending country must endeavour prevent by means of emigration a further drop in the standard of living, the receiving country is fortunate enough to be able to raise its standard of living by immigration. It is obvious that many persons refrain from applying for emigration to far distant countries on account of the high costs of transport involved. It seems more correct to endeavour to maintain the differences in material welfare thus making emigration more attractive for the larger families with some means.