Migrants contribute positively to the economies of host countries

Migrants often have better health than those in rich countries traveling to the United States, often helping to fight disease by working in the health sector, according to a study.

A report published by London University College and the Lancet medical journal found that what the public says about immigrants posing health risks and increasing health systems, are myths used to stir up anti-immigrant sentiment.

The two-year study found that the average age of migrants was generally longer than that of host countries and that it was less likely to die from diseases such as cancer and the heart.

The study revealed that they are more susceptible to diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis and HIV, which usually transmit these diseases to immigrant communities and not to the population in general. general.

"Our analysis indicates that migrants are in good health and contribute positively to the host country economy." In rich countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, migrants are an important part of the economy. of the active population, "said Ibrahim Abu Bakr, head of the London University's Migration and Health Committee. Health sector ".

The report examined 96 studies and 5,464 deaths among more than 15 million immigrants and found an inconsistency among migrant groups, for example, the number of deaths among immigrants from Asia. East and Latin America was lower than that of the general population in six European countries studied, from North Africa and from Eastern Europe.

"In many countries, migrants are used to divide communities and provide a public agenda," said Richard Horton, editor of Lancet.

"The contribution of migrants in general to the economy exceeds the economic burden that they constitute."

Results were mainly based on studies of migrant health in rich countries due to lack of data in middle and low income countries. The report warned that the study might not reflect the health of migrants in the poorest countries.