Economist Podcasts Migration roots: the broken asylum system
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Jul 10, 2025 
Robert Guest, Deputy editor of The Economist, shares insights from his global reporting on asylum seekers. He discusses the urgent need for a modernized global asylum system, highlighting the stories of individuals like Miguel and a young Sudanese woman in Chad who face bureaucratic hurdles. Andrew Miller adds depth, exploring the intricate balance of tech job landscapes where top AI talent commands high salaries amidst a cooling demand for rank-and-file coders, and how these dynamics mirror cultural shifts in creative industries.
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Miguel's Lengthy Asylum Wait
- Miguel's asylum claim in Britain took seven years due to difficulties proving threats from gangsters.
- Despite being married to a doctor, costly legal battles prolonged his case unnecessarily.
Outdated Asylum System Challenges
- The 1951 Refugee Convention is outdated and overwhelmed by modern displacement.
- Many seek asylum as a backdoor migration route, fueling political backlash in rich countries.
Separate Asylum and Labor Migration
- Separate asylum from labor migration to provide clarity and fairness.
- Ensure refugees find safety in the first safe country they reach and limit movement to richer countries.