Governing labour mobility in the Asia-Pacific

Migration is increasingly on the global agenda for policymakers as demonstrated by the 2013 High- Level Dialogue at the United Nations General Assembly. The evidence suggests potentially very large welfare gains are available from further liberalization of labour movements, and that labour mobility could be a powerful driver of development. Indeed, the gains from increased migration are potentially more substantial than those available from further liberalization of goods or services trade. However, despite these large potential benefits and clear linkages between trade and migration, labour market liberalization and associated issues has not been pursued consistently through international agreements.

Related Subject(s): International Trade and Finance