Much has changed—and is changing—in the world of migration and integration policy. Migration management has become more complex as flows have diversified in types and origins; overtaxed humanitarian protection systems globally are facing record challenges; societies have become more polarized, with immigration often used as a wedge issue; climate migration is an ever-growing area of concern for the future; and key immigrant-destination countries are increasingly competing for the types of immigrants they want. What do leading migration thinkers have to say about these and other developments? World of Migration offers fresh takes and thoughtful perspectives on some of the top migration issues, some of which figure rarely in the headlines. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or listen to episodes here. And please leave us a review. Engage with us at info@migrationpolicy.org.
Episodes
Wednesday Feb 25, 2026
Wednesday Feb 25, 2026
With the world’s lowest fertility rate and one of the fastest-aging populations, South Korea is confronting a shrinking workforce and mounting economic pressures. Immigration has become part of the policy conversation, but questions remain about how much it can help and how Korean society will adapt to diversity.
In this World of Migration episode, our Lawrence Huang speaks with Juyoung Jang, chief of the Policy Research Department at the Migration Research and Training Center in South Korea, about the rapid shift from being a country of emigration to one of immigration. They discuss how migration to South Korea has evolved over the past decades, how the government is expanding pathways for workers and international students, and what challenges migrants encounter – from housing and language barriers to social acceptance. Looking ahead, they consider what the next 10 to 20 years could bring as immigration, integration, and demographic change reshape South Korean society.