24. Emigration: costs and benefits (1) Costs Benefits Source country Family breakup, as grandparents move away Loss of potential childminders Loss of a highly experienced workforce, especially if they retire early The ‘grey pound’ is spent overseas In part, emigration balances increased immigration, reducing net migration rates Fewer older people to take care of; some health and care problems are effectively exported Relieves pressure to build new homes, and therefore to build on greenfield sites
25. Emigration: costs and benefits (2) Costs Benefits Host country Immigrant ‘ghettos’ are created, with little social and cultural integration Resentment as immigrants seek to enter local politics House prices become too high for local people Healthcare costs are borne by the host country Physical infrastructure systems may be strained Increased spending in the local economy; some retirees are highly affluent Job creation in construction, retail and other services Areas that were largely unproductive scrubland become valuable building sites