International migration – the movement of people across international boundaries – has enormous implications for growth and poverty alleviation in both origin and destination countries.
 According to the United Nations, more than 230 million people are living outside their countries of birth in 2013, and over 700 million migrate within their countries. In the coming decades, demographic forces, globalization and climate change will increase migration pressures both within and across borders.
  International migration boosts world incomes. By allowing workers to move to where they are more productive, migration results in an increase in aggregate output and income.
 Remittances generally reduce the level and severity of poverty and lead to: higher human capital accumulation; greater health and education expenditures; better access to information and communication technologies; improved access to formal financial sector services; enhanced small business investment; more entrepreneurship; better preparedness for adverse shocks such as droughts, earthquakes, and cyclones; and reduced child labor.
Diasporas can be an important source of trade, capital, technology, and knowledge for countries of origin and destination.