The movement of people across borders is (0) BY no means a modern phenomenon — humans have migrated in search of better living conditions since the dawn of civilisation. What 1 changed, however, is the scale and speed at which such movements now occur. Never before 2 so many people been displaced simultaneously, whether by conflict, economic hardship, or the effects of climate change. Grave 3 the humanitarian implications undoubtedly are, the political response has often been characterised more by hostility than by compassion. 4 it not for the tireless work of non-governmental organisations, many of those forced to flee their homes would receive no assistance whatsoever. The argument that migration places an unsustainable burden on host countries has been challenged by economists, many of 5 point out that migrants contribute significantly to the economies they join. Not only 6 they fill essential gaps in the labour market, but they also bring cultural richness and entrepreneurial energy. For 7 the challenges that large-scale migration undoubtedly presents, the evidence suggests that societies which embrace diversity tend to prosper. Whether policymakers will heed this evidence or continue to pander to populist sentiment remains to 8 seen.