Immigration Boosts Wealthy Nations' Economies
Analysis based on 9 articles · First reported Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 25, 2026
The study's findings suggest a positive impact on markets, particularly for countries like Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom, where immigration has significantly boosted GDP per worker. This could lead to increased investment and productivity, potentially strengthening their economies and attracting further foreign investment. The insights are especially relevant for the European Union given its demographic challenges, potentially influencing policy decisions that could benefit its member states' economic outlook.
A study authored by Giovanni Gey of the University of California, Davis, to be presented at a European Union — European Central Bank conference, reveals that wealthy nations with high immigration rates have reaped significant economic benefits. The research, which analyzed data from dozens of rich countries in the OECD, found that immigration, largely of highly skilled workers, boosted growth and productivity. For instance, in Spain, immigration may account for up to one third of economic growth per worker between 1990 and 2024, and in the United Kingdom, it contributed about 19% to GDP per person growth. The findings are particularly relevant for the European Union due to its negative population growth, suggesting that countries like Canada and Australia demonstrate that increased immigration does not diminish these benefits.
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