This report highlights migration as one of the key emerging development issues. Approximately, a total of 84 million people (2.3 percent of the world’s population) live outside of their country of nationality. Consequently, almost half of them are in low- and middle-income countries and this report does provide framework to maximize the development impacts of migration, including how migration can help achieve the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Picking lessons from the field of Labor Economics and International Law, the report identifies a policy framework that focuses on mainly: How closely migrants’ skills match the needs of destination countries; and (2) the motives that underlie the movements of migrants and refugees. The framework aims to guide the adoption of migration policies that strengthen and progress the development impact of migration worldwide. The report includes chapters discussing the outlook of origin and destination countries, migrants, refugees, and distressed migrants. It also offers recommendations to manage and increase the benefits of migration and cross-border movements through international cooperation.
With the world attempting to survive wide-ranging economic disparities, diverging demographic trends, and climate change, migration will become necessary for countries at all income levels in the decades to come. Migration can be an important element and can aid in accomplishing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals given that it is handled competently. Additionally, migration is a response to shocks and global imbalances, such as the massive gaps in income and well-being across countries. Economic migration is driven by prospects of higher wages and access to better services.
The report discusses the following main messages;
- Focus on people who live outside their country of nationality.
- Recognize the complexity and the increasing necessity of cross-border movements.
- Distinguish between various types of movements to identify appropriate policy responses.
- Manage migration strategically— in both origin and destination countries.
- Manage cross-border movements differently.