Migration

Amid a deteriorating situation, an increasing number of Lebanese nationals are seeking to leave the country irregularly, often relying on migrant smugglers to secure passage by sea to Europe. The International Organization for Migration conducted an in-depth research study to explore the intentions, factors, and decision-making processes driving irregular migration among Lebanese individuals, with a focus on high-risk areas in Tripoli and Akkar. The findings of this research have been published in this report which provides timely insights and recommendations to address the drivers of irregular migration from Lebanon and support safe and legal alternatives, such as labour mobility pathways.

The Asia-Pacific Migration Report 2020 draws from examples and experiences across the region, including actions by States, civil society, and guided by the objectives and guiding principles of the Global Compact for Migration, the Asia-Pacific Migration Report 2020 provides up-to-date data on key migration trends and a comprehensive overview of progress, challenges, priorities and lessons learned in making migration safe, orderly and regular across all 23 objectives of the Global Compact for Migration. The report aims to support follow-up and review of the Global Compact for Migration and by providing conclusions and key recommendations to help identify a way forward action towards achievement of safe, orderly and regular migration in the region.

In 2008, the International Dialogue on Migration (IDM) was guided by the overarching theme selected by the membership: “Return Migration: Challenges and Opportunities”. Two intersessional workshops were convened based on the memberships’ preferences: “Managing Return Migration” (21‑22 April 2008) and “Enhancing the Role of Return Migration in Fostering Development” (7-8 July 2008). A high-level panel discussion on Return Migration was held in the framework of the IDM during the 96th Council Session.

Volume 4 of the Red Book Series was developed in response to questions and issues discussed at the plenary session and in the workshops for policy makers at the International Dialogue on Migration of the 84th session of the IOM Council. Its purpose is to provide a more detailed review of the challenges policy makers throughout the world encounter when developing comprehensive approaches to migration management particularly with respect to 1) Integration, 2) Irregular Migration, and 3) Diaspora Support to Migration and Development. These policy papers are not intended to offer any ready-made responses. Instead, they seek to inspire and promote further discussion among the Member and Observer States of the IOM, and among intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

This publication covers a broad range of issues within the trade and migration nexus which were discussed during the seminar, including policy, legislative and implementation challenges in managing the movement and temporary stay of labour migrants, perspectives of employer and union representatives on the issues of concern for these important constituent groups, as well as the implications for Mode 4 of what has been learned over the course of the seminar.

This publication provides an account of some of the main issues discussed during the Expert Seminar on Migration and the Environment including: a) definitional issues; b) some critical dimensions of the migration and the environment nexus, inter alia: (i) the impact of gradual environmental change on migration; (ii) the impact of extreme environmental events on migration; (iii) migration’s effects on the environment; and (iv) the association with conflict potential; c) improving data and research for informed policy-making and action; d) possible policy responses and interventions; and e) the main challenges and lessons learnt and their implications for the way forward.

The relative success of regional frameworks in handling mobility issues is not surprising: the limited number of countries involved can offer better possibilities for finding common ground for cooperation, including in addressing complex migration dynamics. In addition, the largest share of migration flows occur within regions, with people increasingly moving for short and recurring stays, underscoring the importance of regional integration agreements and legal frameworks for the management of these flows. This publication provides a summary of the discussions at a workshop on “Free Movement of Persons in Regional Integration Processes” organized by IOM, in collaboration with UNCTAD, within the framework of IOM’s International Dialogue on Migration. The report analyses the main regional approaches to the liberalized movement of persons, key challenges, and existing policy options. All information contained in this report reflects the situation as at the time of the workshop (July 2007).

This publication includes the materials of the two-day workshop on “Making Global Labour Mobility a Catalyst for Development”, held in Geneva, Switzerland on 8 and 9 October 2007. IOM would like to thank the Governments of Italy and the United States for making this event possible. This publication was prepared under the overall supervision of Michele Klein Solomon, Director, MPR and Philippe Boncour, Head, IDM Division, MPR. It comprises two main elements. Part I contains the report of the workshop, which is based on the presentations and discussions. Special thanks for the preparation of Part I are owed to Françoise Moudouthe – the principal author – and to Ryszard Cholewinski. Part II includes the workshop agenda and background paper.

A wide range of institutions have an active interest and a role to play in a variety of areas related to international migration. These range from UN agencies, international and regional intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) with formal membership arrangements, to informal international and regional forums (notably the regional consultative processes) dealing with migration. These institutions and processes play an important role in addressing the increasingly urgent and complex issues of managing international migration. The purpose of this document is to provide a schematic overview of the major existing institutions with an ongoing focus on migration-related issues and activities.

The session focused on the state of global mobility in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic efforts, in particular the contribution of migrants as key agents of a resilient and sustainable socioeconomic recovery. The dialogue’s main aim was to improve the knowledge of the impacts of global shocks on migration and development, and identify lessons learned and recommendations to improve migrant support in the future. The session allowed government representatives, members of the diaspora, academic experts, representatives of the private sector, and international and civil society organizations to exchange views and share experiences and examples of effective practices to advance efforts to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration, and strengthen migrant-inclusive public health systems, with the ultimate aim of advancing the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. This publication presents a summary report of the deliberations held during the two days and offers the reader a collection of experiences, best practices and recommendations shared by the participants at the meeting.