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.

The Diaspora Ministerial Conference held on 18–19 June 2013 is a landmark in the history of the global debate on migration and development. Amid the flurry of international events leading up to the 2nd United Nations High Level Dialogue (HLD) on International Migration and Development in October 2013, the diaspora conference marks the first and only gathering of high-level politicians from all parts of the world responsible for diaspora and their engagement in the development of their countries of origin. International Organization for Migration (IOM) dedicated its International Dialogue on Migration in 2013 to the diaspora theme with the full support of its Member States, and with a view to contributing a diaspora perspective to the HLD 2013 and the post-2015 sustainable development agenda. IOM was well positioned to organize such a high-level dialogue in view of the fact that it has assisted States in creating the institutions and strategies to adapt to the new realities of a transnational world.

This publication contains the report and complementary materials of the two workshops held in 2016 under the overarching theme “Follow-up and Review of Migration in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” within the framework of the International Dialogue on Migration (IDM), IOM’s principal forum for migration policy dialogue. The two workshops were held in New York on 29 February and 1 March, and respectively in Geneva on 11 and 12 October 2016. By dedicating its major policy discussion forum to discussions on implementation, follow-up and review of migration aspects of the SDGs, IOM wished to open a space for IOM Member States and relevant key players in migration and development area, to present strategies and measures that they are putting in place to achieve the migration-related targets, including good practices, challenges, lessons learned and areas that need support and shared experiences.

This issue of the International Dialogue on Migration (IDM) Publication Series (or “Red Book Series”) contains the report and supplementary materials of a workshop on “Climate Change, Environmental Degradation and Migration”. The workshop aimed to bring together governments to exchange their experiences of and responses to the realities of environmentally-induced movements in their respective societies, to discuss different dimensions of capacity-building required to manage the multifaceted impact of climate change and environmental degradation on human mobility, and to exchange innovative ideas for multi-stakeholder partnerships at all stages of the migration process. This book summarizes the workshop discussions, and makes proposals for future activities to take forward the conclusions of the workshop.

This training guide is designed to enable participants to understand the human rights perspective on migration, and how human rights laws and standards can be operationalized to make migration safer and an empowering experience for all. It provides an introduction to related principles and issues and is designed for persons with limited knowledge of human rights or migration. The training guide contains session plans for the trainer and is supported by sample slide presentations and associated materials, including activities and handouts for participants, which are available electronically as individual components on the OHCHR website.

Two workshops were organized in New York on 26 and 27 March 2018 and in Geneva on 8 and 9 October 2018. Over 600 participants – including 83 panelists –representing governments, UN agencies, international organizations, civil society, the business sector, migrant and diaspora associations, and academia alike, gathered to discuss and illustrate partnerships across governments, agencies and communities and solutions for furthering collaboration, and to present tools and initiatives in strengthening capacity development on migration. The publication presents a detailed report of the deliberations, organized around six key messages which emerged from the discussions. It offers a collection of experiences, best practices shared and recommendations for whole-of-government, whole-of-society and United Nations system-wide coordination approaches to migration and for enhancing capacity development efforts for effective migration governance.

Against this background, the 2019 International Dialogue for Migration (IDM) – IOM’s flagship initiative for policy discussion – was dedicated to deliberating how to engage and empower young people as key partners in migration governance. The 2019 IDM responded to calls for greater engagement with young people from participants at previous IDMs and was aligned with the United Nations Youth Strategy, which recognizes the potential of young people to advance progress in many policy areas, thanks to their first-hand experience. This publication aims to provide an analysis of the role of young people in migration governance, how to engage them and how to unlock their potential to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by migration. Moreover, it offers the reader an exhaustive collection of best practices, lessons learned and recommendations gathered from the discussions.

La formulation d’approches réalistes de la gestion de la migration internationale représente un défi considérable pour la communauté, qui nécessitera à la fois du temps et des efforts ces prochaines années. Le problème tient en partie à la difficulté de parvenir à un consensus sur la nature fondamentale de la migration et de ses conséquences. Alors que la tendance actuelle, dont on se félicitera, consiste à reconnaître qu’elle peut avoir des effets bénéfiques, de nombreuses questions restent en suspens. Au milieu de toutes ces incertitudes, certains avis, qui méritent d’être approfondis, laissent entendre que contrairement à ce qui a pu être le cas dans le passé, la migration contemporaine est uniquement définie par les processus d’intégration économique et sociale collectivement connus sous le nom de mondialisation et liée à eux. L’argument est que volontairement ou non, ces évolutions sont largement responsables de la création d’un contexte sans précédent dans lequel la mobilité humaine cherche à s’exprimer à une échelle véritablement mondiale. Etat de la migration dans le monde 2008 aborde directement ce problème et tente d’identifier les options politiques qui pourraient contribuer à l’élaboration de vastes stratégies cohérentes permettant de faire mieux correspondre l’offre et la demande de travailleurs migrants de manière sûre, humaine et ordonnée. La partie A du rapport explore la nature et l’ampleur du besoin de telles stratégies par l’observation et l’analyse d’un vaste éventail de schémas migratoires contemporains liés à des motivations d’ordre économique, tandis que la partie B expose les solutions qu’il est possible d’envisager.

L’OIM publie les rapports État de la migration dans le monde depuis l’année 2000. Le Rapport État de la migration dans le monde 2018, est le neuvième de la série, et a été conçu pour contribuer à améliorera compréhension de la migration à travers le monde. Il présente des données et des informations clés sur la migration ainsi que des chapitres thématiques sur des questions migratoires très actuelles, et est structuré de manière à mettre l’accent sur deux contributions clés pour les lecteurs: Partie I: informations clés sur les migrations et les migrants (y compris les statistiques relatives aux migrations) ; et Partie II: analyse équilibrée et fondée sur des données factuelles des questions migratoires complexes et nouvelles.

Intitulé L‘avenir des migrations : Renforcer les capacités face aux changements, le rapport Etat de la migration dans le monde 2010 est la cinquième édition de la série de rapports de l’OIM sur les migrations internationales. Il es plus particulièrement axé sur l’avenir des migrations et les capacités dont les Etats, les organisations régionales et internationales, la société civile et le secteur privé auront besoin pour gérer les migrations avec efficacité au cours des décennies à venir.

La OIM lleva publicando este tipo de informes desde el año 2000. El Informe sobre las Migraciones en el Mundo 2020, es el décimo de la serie y fue producido con el objetivo de fomentar una mayor comprensión de la migración en todo el mundo. Esta nueva edición presenta datos e información fundamentales sobre la migración, y capítulos temáticos sobre cuestiones de migración de interés actual. Su estructura ha sido adaptada para centrar su atención en dos contribuciones fundamentales para los lectores: La parte I contiene información fundamental sobre la migración y los migrantes (incluyendo estadísticas sobre migración) y la parte II proporciona un análisis equilibrado y empírico sobre cuestiones complejas y emergentes relativas a la migración.

A gender perspective is essential to understanding both the causes and consequences of international migration. Female migrants are increasingly part of worker flows, moving on their own to become the principal wage earners for their families. Most women move voluntarily, but women and girls are also part of the flows of forced migrants who have fled conflict, persecution, environmental degradation, natural disasters and other situations that affect their habitat, livelihood and security. The trafficking of people for prostitution and forced labour also, is an area of increasing concern to the international community. This Survey sets out recommendations that, if adopted, will improve the situation of migrant, refugee and trafficked women.

Authored by Katharine M. Donato, Lisa Singh, Ali Arab, Elizabeth Jacobs and Douglas Post, this Migration Research Series paper builds on prior studies of migration misinformation by analysing Twitter conversations in Spanish, the fourth most widespread language in the world. The paper assesses the prevalence of different types of misinformation about migrants and migration in Spanish-language tweets and examines whether and how migration misinformation varies by location and shifts in the spread of this misinformation. Findings reveal that migration misinformation is overwhelmingly about safety threats and, to a lesser extent, about economic and health threats. Migration misinformation is also global: tweets are spatially distributed in specific ways and linked more to traditional news outlets than other sources. Although it resonates more on some days than others, migration misinformation also appears to be fairly consistent across the period of study.

This Facilitator’s Guide is intended to support trainers wishing to introduce the protection of the human rights of migrants to State officials on the African continent. The content is organized into four main modules, allowing each module to be used in isolation, or in combination with others depending on the need. The first module focuses on international law as the foundation of relations between States, and between States and individuals. It provides an overview of key human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and their accountability mechanisms. Part of the emphasis of this module is on the historical evolution of the international legal system, and the thinking that led to the human rights instruments that followed the wars of the early 20th century. Subsequent modules address State authority in migration management, covering the admission of non-nationals and nationals returning home, as well as the detention and expulsion of those who are non-compliant with the requirements of entry or stay. Each of these is juxtaposed against a succession of individual human rights to facilitate understanding of the parametres of the State’s authority. Sections and subsections generally begin with a case study challenge to help participants focus on a specific tension between State authority and a human rights obligation in the migration context, followed by lecture notes for facilitators and a review of relevant case law and judicial reasoning. By using this Guide, trainers will be equipped to support officials in Africa in bridging the gap between the aspirations and principles of the United Nations Charter, international and regional human rights obligations, and the complexities of managing migration.

Authored by Rasadhika Sharma and Ulrike Grote, this publication in the Migration Research Series analyses what determines Internet usage among internal migrants in two countries in South-East Asia. The paper is based on data collected under the Thailand Viet Nam Socio Economic Panel migrant tracking survey, with a sample of 709 internal migrants from Viet Nam and Thailand. It examines if, and to what extent, internal migrants’ demographic characteristics, their personal traits and economic background influence their Internet usage in terms of social interaction, information-seeking, entertainment and commercial transactions.

Authored by Xinyu (Promio) Wang, this Migration Research Series paper explores what belonging means and entails for Chinese migrants in Japan in today’s digitalized societies. Drawing on interviews with 55 Chinese migrants in Japan between 2017 and 2019, the paper highlights the impact of digital technologies on fostering a sense of belonging to a transnational imagined community. It also sheds light on how the interactions of the digital and physical spaces have framed a multidimensional sense of belonging for Chinese migrants in Japan.

Authored by Maruja M.B. Asis, this Migration Research Series paper provides an overview of the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers under the COVID-19 pandemic. While noting the Philippines' good practices and guidelines that have helped the Government to respond to crisis situations in the past, the paper explores the unprecedented and enormous challenges so far encountered and highlights emerging good practices for repatriation, including the role of technology.

Authored by Niva Shrestha, Joelle Mak and Cathy Zimmerman, this Migration Research Series paper explores the concepts of stigma and empowerment through the perceptions and experiences of 55 prospective Nepalese women labour migrants. The results of this qualitative study show that migration can empower women labour migrants gaining access to human and economic resources, by exercising agency through decision-making and, through this, achieving self-worth. But the associated stigma also disempowers them with experiences they face from themselves, their families, communities and the institutions around them. To foster the positive aspects of labour migration of women, interventions are needed to challenge the social and cultural structures that perpetuate gender inequalities and lead to stigmatization of migrant women.

Authored by Sam Grundy and Sarah Zingg, this Migration Research Series paper discusses the role of the community stabilization approach to transition away from humanitarian crises in order to lay the ground for attaining durable solutions for displaced persons and, ultimately, operationalize the humanitarian–development–peace nexus. The paper focuses on the multidimensional destabilizing impacts of displacement crises and the factors limiting opportunities for communities to transition away from acute vulnerability and aid dependence, and defines the community stabilization approach as a means to overcome these challenges. It then presents the community stabilization core programming principles framed through a community-based planning methodology – a practical community-driven, local government-led process intended to support the transition of impacted communities from displacement crises through improved stability – drawing on examples from Zimbabwe, Somalia and Ethiopia.

In this Migration Research Series paper, Marie McAuliffe examines the widespread and unprecedented imposition of movement restrictions by governments in an attempt to limit COVID-19 transmission and infection, with particular reference to the ongoing securitization of migration. In the current context of growing misinformation, increasing unilateral “strongman” politics, and massive technological change, she offers an initial reflection as to whether extraordinary measures are likely to become ordinary, and the implications for human rights and mobility, before then discussing the need to re-think and de-link migration and mobility with reference to the opportunities and challenges presented by COVID-19.

Authored by Jeremaiah M. Opiniano, this Migration Research Series paper explores some of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Filipino overseas migrants and the responses and measures adopted by the Philippines in 2020. It reviews the main implications and challenges that were raised by the pandemic between 25 March 2020 and 24 March 2021, from issues concerning repatriations and returns, to decreasing overseas employment and the impact on international remittances.

Authored by Lorenzo Guadagno, this Migration Research Series paper offers an initial analysis of the specific ways migrants have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It also presents the diverse measures which have been adopted in receiving and origin countries to prevent, mitigate and address the negative impacts of the pandemic. Its objective is to provide insights for more inclusive and effective COVID-19 responses as the pandemic unfolds to ensure that migrants are duly included.

Authored by S. Irudaya Rajan, this Migration Research Series paper explores the impact of COVID-19 on the return migration of international and internal Indian migrants. The paper provides an overview of return migration dynamics in India and the various vulnerabilities of Indian migrants that were exacerbated during the pandemic. The paper examines the programmes and policies that supported the reintegration of migrants and makes suggestions for reintegration measures that go beyond the COVID-19 pandemic to consider not only economic reintegration but also the social and psychological experiences of return migrants.

Every minute, 20 people – many of them children – are forced from their homes by violence, persecution or conflict. While children account for less than one third of the global population, they make up more than half of today’s refugees worldwide. This publication explores the multitude of ways in which children on the move are being left behind, their human rights denied and basic needs unmet. For these children, the vision of the 2030 Agenda of a world free from fear and violence is merely a distant illusion. But given their devastating daily realities, children are willing to risk uncertain and perilous journeys in search of safety and security. Too often the risks are far more dangerous than they could imagine, as their journeys leave them vulnerable to exploitation by human traffickers and other criminals and frequent hostility from the communities they encounter along the way.

This publication presents the main findings from five years of route-based research on migration in the East and Horn of Africa (EHoA), focusing on the region’s three main interregional routes. These include the Eastern Route, from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula; the Northern Route, from the Horn of Africa and the Sudan towards North Africa and Europe; and the Southern Route, from the Horn of Africa to Southern Africa. Through 10 key messages, this report provides an accessible overview of migration dynamics, offering valuable insights into the complexities of movements from the region and serving as an entry point for understanding the challenges, drivers and patterns shaping migration in the EHoA.

La OIM lleva publicando este tipo de informes desde el año 2000. El Informe sobre las Migraciones en el Mundo 2024, es el duodécimo de la serie y fue producido con el objetivo de fomentar una mayor comprensión de la migración y la movilidad en todo el mundo. Esta nueva edición presenta datos e información fundamentales sobre la migración, y capítulos temáticos sobre cuestiones de migración de interés actual. Su estructura ha sido adaptada para centrar su atención en dos contribuciones fundamentales para los lectores: la parte I: contiene información fundamental sobre la migración y los migrantes (incluyendo estadísticas sobre migración); y la parte II: proporciona un análisis equilibrado y empírico sobre cuestiones complejas y emergentes relativas a la migración. El Informe sobre las Migraciones en el Mundo, la publicación emblemática de la OIM, se ha elaborado en consonancia con la política de OIM en favor del medio ambiente y solo podrá consultarse en línea. Por consiguiente, no existe en su versión impresa para así reducir las incidencias en materia de consumo de papel, imprenta y transporte.

La réponse internationale aux défis du changement climatique et de la mobilité humaine se trouve à la croisée des chemins. Il est impératif de faire figurer la mobilité climatique au premier plan des préoccupations politiques. Les conséquences directes des changements climatiques à évolution lente, tels que la baisse de la productivité agricole, pourraient provoquer la migration interne de quelque 216 millions de personnes à l’horizon 2050, et ce, dans six régions. Néanmoins, comme le dit bien le rapport Groundswell de 2021, il est important de noter que ces projections ne sont pas définitives. Si les pays commencent dès aujourd’hui à réduire leurs émissions de gaz à effet de serre, à combler les lacunes de développement, à restaurer les écosystèmes vitaux et à aider les populations à s’adapter, le nombre de migrations climatiques internes pourrait être réduit de 80 %, pour atteindre les 44 millions de personnes d’ici à 2050. Selon le Rapport sur les catastrophes dans le monde 2020, quelque 200 millions de personnes par an auront besoin d’une assistance humanitaire à l’horizon 2050, en raison des effets combinés des catastrophes climatiques et des répercussions socio-économiques du changement climatique. De même, le Bilan mondial sur la réduction des risques de catastrophe publié en 2022 indique que « si les tendances actuelles se maintiennent, le nombre de catastrophes annuelles dans le monde pourrait passer d’environ 400 en 2015 à 560 d’ici 2030, soit une augmentation de 40 % sur la durée de vie du Cadre de Sendai ».

La série des rapports de l’OIM sur l’état de la migration dans le monde existe depuis 2000. Le Rapport État de la migration dans le monde 2024, le douzième de la série, a vocation à faire mieux comprendre le phénomène migratoire partout dans le monde. Il présente des données et des informations clés sur la migration et comporte des chapitres thématiques sur des questions migratoires actuelles. Il s’articule autour de deux parties : la partie I, qui fournit des informations clés sur la migration et les migrants (y compris des statistiques relatives à la migration) ; et la partie II, qui propose une analyse équilibrée et fondée sur des éléments factuels de questions migratoires complexes et émergentes. Cette édition du Rapport État de la migration dans le monde, la publication phare de l’OIM, a été produite conformément à la politique de l’environnement de l’OIM et n’est disponible qu’en ligne. Dans un souci de réduction de l’empreinte écologique de la consommation de papier, de l’impression et du transport, aucun exemplaire papier n’a été imprimé.

Начиная с 2000 года МОМ составляет доклады о миграции в мире. Доклад о миграции в мире 2020 года, десятый в серии докладов о миграции в мире, был подготовлен для того, чтобы способствовать углублению понимания миграции повсюду в мире. В этом новом издании представлены основные данные и информация о миграции, а также тематические главы по наиболее актуальным вопросам миграции, и оно построено таким образом, чтобы сосредоточить внимание на двух ключевых материалах для читателей: часть I - основная информация о миграции и мигрантах (включая статистику, связанную с миграцией); и часть II – сбалансированный и основанный на фактах анализ сложных и вновь возникающих проблем миграции.

Authored by Vytenis Juozas Deimantas and Aslı Ebru Şanlıtürk, this Migration Research Series paper focuses on the arrival of refugees from Ukraine on the labour market in Lithuania. The paper examines the distribution of refugees from Ukraine across countries of Lithuania, analyses the unemployment rates in Lithuania by gender, and explores how online job advertisements in Lithuania may or may not be accommodating to refugees from Ukraine. The authors reflect on policymaking efforts that would accommodate both local and refugee populations in the labour market.

Regular pathways are essential to realizing the promise of migration. These pathways are the legal and policy frameworks that enable people to move to, enter, stay in, exit or re-enter States along their migration journey in an authorized manner. The impacts of migration depend on where and how people migrate, which in turn depend largely on the options available to them. More and better opportunities for people to move in a regular way are key to realizing the promise of migration. This publication, based on the Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) data from 100 national and 69 local-level assessments conducted between 2016 and 2023, provides insights into what pathways for regular migration look like around the world. It showcases examples of relevant policies at different stages of the migration continuum and across a range of contexts. The report also explores how different enabling factors can support effective and impactful pathways, and which scaling mechanisms can expand existing pathways, and assesses the potential benefits of regular pathways for migrants and countries of origin and destination. Regular pathways are highly diverse and can be characterized in different ways. In this publication, the focus is on the purpose of migration facilitated by a given pathway. Four main reasons for migration are analysed, recognizing that these are not exhaustive or mutually exclusive, as individuals’ motivations to migrate often overlap.

Authored by Irina Kuznetsova and Oksana Mikheieva, this Migration Research Series paper explores the impacts of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine on the individuals that were displaced before 2022. The authors argue that the pre-existing vulnerabilities of those stranded in occupied areas since February 2022 have been exacerbated, particularly at the intersections of displacement and immobility, and disability, older ag, and housing.

Authored by Petros Gkotsis, Sara Henriques, Evangelos Koukournesis, Elena Leleki, Constantinos Melachrinos, Maria Papaioannou, and Teddy Wilkin, this Migration Research Series paper highlights four research projects employed by The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) that seek to understand displacement from Ukraine to the European Union. The projects range from emergency measures adopted by Member States, new indicators on registrations for temporary protection, approaches to forecasting, and an online survey of displaced Ukrainians detailing demographics, their country of origin, destination, and their future aspirations. The paper concludes with reflections on lessons learned noting future considerations for research timelines, interdisciplinary research teams, and the involvement of Member State experts.

El Diálogo Internacional sobre la Migración 2020, titulado “Crisis de la COVID-19: Reconcebir el papel de los migrantes y la movilidad humana para el logro de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible” tuvo lugar los días 15 y 16 de octubre de 2020. En él se celebró un intercambio muy oportuno de mejores prácticas y recomendaciones sobre cómo responder a los retos inmediatos y de largo plazo que plantea la pandemia para los migrantes y la movilidad humana. El evento congregó a gobiernos, expertos en salud y representantes de la sociedad civil, el sector privado y organizaciones juveniles, y consolidó el papel fundamental que desempeña el Diálogo al brindar un foro de debate sobre las cuestiones migratorias fundamentales del momento. En la presente publicación se resumen las deliberaciones de la sesión del Diálogo Internacional sobre la Migración. También se recopilan las experiencias y mejores prácticas para hacer frente a la pandemia de la COVID-19 y sus consecuencias para los migrantes, la migración y la movilidad. Además, se ofrece un conjunto de recomendaciones para promover la formulación de planes de recuperación socioeconómica que tengan en cuenta a los migrantes.

This Social Development Report, the fifth in this series, provides deep analysis of the status of marginalized and excluded population groups facing severe vulnerabilities in the Arab region. This report examines the region’s ability to meet its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development promise of leaving no one behind. Using the Sustainable Development Goal framework, the report reveals startling realities, with approximately 187 million individuals in the region being left behind across critical dimensions including social protection and access to health, education and housing services. Through intersectional analysis, the report examines the root causes of inequality and showcases pioneering initiatives addressing these challenges. The report presents actionable policy recommendations to empower marginalized groups and ensure more inclusion and equity towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The report also highlights the urgency of integrating the leave no one behind framework into national strategies and calls for the reinvigoration of data collection and monitoring.

The Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (MECC) Country Report on Yemen by IOM explores the complex links between climate change, environmental degradation, and human mobility in Yemen. Given the country’s aridity, water scarcity, and vulnerability to climate-induced hazards—exacerbated by conflict—this study provides an evidence-based foundation for policy discussions and interventions. Utilizing qualitative mixed methods, including key informant interviews and focus group discussions, the report highlights how extreme weather events (floods, cyclones, wildfires, dust storms) and slow-onset environmental changes (drought, rising temperatures, soil degradation, and sea level rise) drive displacement, alter livelihoods, and exacerbate vulnerabilities. The findings underscore adaptive responses—such as makeshift repairs and community support—that remain insufficient amid Yemen’s humanitarian crisis. The report also examines migration dynamics, revealing how conflict, economic instability, and environmental degradation fuel internal displacement and migration through Yemen toward neighboring countries. Key challenges identified include governance gaps, resource scarcity, gender disparities, and deteriorating health and security conditions, making urgent policy action essential.

In 2024, IOM conducted four local Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) assessments in Ukraine, in coordination with the public authorities of Kharkiv City, Odesa City, Stryi Territorial Community and Lviv Oblast. The MGIs – IOM’s flagship initiative on migration governance – is a critical tool to support governments in assessing the comprehensiveness of their migration policies, as well as in identifying gaps and areas that could be strengthened. This report examines common well-developed policy areas and those with potential for future development in local migration governance, based on data collected during the MGI assessments. Its aim is to improve understanding of local migration management and highlight existing challenges, thereby supporting evidence-based and well-informed decision-making and policy development in Ukraine.

The 2024 International Dialogue on Migration (IDM) has brought to the forefront the undeniable truth that migration, when effectively managed, holds the potential to be one of the greatest forces for global good, bearing benefits for migrants, their families and all the communities involved. Throughout this session, diverse stakeholders – from governments and international organizations to civil society and the private sector – came together with a shared vision: to harness the power of migration as a driver of sustainable development, social cohesion and economic resilience. The discussions emphasized that the key to unlocking this potential lies in the creation and strengthening of regular migration pathways. These pathways must be designed to be inclusive, responsive and rights-based, ensuring that all migrants, regardless of their origin or destination, are afforded the dignity and opportunities they deserve. The IDM 2024 showcased numerous innovative solutions and policies that are already making a difference, from national initiatives that align migration with labour market needs to multilateral efforts that enhance regional cooperation and protect vulnerable populations, as well as initiatives piloted by the private sector and efforts put in place by welcoming communities all around the world.

People living in the Arab region face various forms of inequality, many of them linked to unequal exposure to life-cycle risks. By providing financial protection against these risks, social protection systems can address inequalities. To be fully effective, social protection systems must take into account the particular needs of specific vulnerable groups such as informal workers, women and girls, older and younger people, persons with disabilities and migrants. This fourth edition of the Arab Inequality Report describes how social protection systems in the Arab region have evolved in response to economic developments and external shocks, and examines the varying degrees to which these systems provide effective protection and reduce inequalities. It concludes with practical policy recommendations for countries to ensure that their social protection systems are effective and responsive.

People living in the Arab region face various forms of inequality, many of them linked to unequal exposure to life-cycle risks. By providing financial protection against these risks, social protection systems can address inequalities. To be fully effective, social protection systems must take into account the particular needs of specific vulnerable groups such as informal workers, women and girls, older and younger people, persons with disabilities and migrants. This fourth edition of the Arab Inequality Report describes how social protection systems in the Arab region have evolved in response to economic developments and external shocks, and examines the varying degrees to which these systems provide effective protection and reduce inequalities. It concludes with practical policy recommendations for countries to ensure that their social protection systems are effective and responsive.

The migration-development nexus has witnessed increasing attention in recent years, both globally and regionally, reflecting the profound impact that population movements have on both countries of origin and of destination, both within and beyond the region. The 2024 edition of the Situation Report on International Migration in the Arab Region examines the critical nexus of migration and development in a region undergoing transformative demographic, economic, social and technological shifts. It offers an analysis of migration trends, challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the dual role of migration as both a driver and a product of development. Key insights highlight the potential of migration to contribute positively to host societies and countries of origin. Migrants bring valuable skills, knowledge and cultural diversity, while remittances support families, reduce poverty, and spur economic growth. However, achieving these outcomes requires policies that safeguard migrants’ rights and maximize their contributions to development. Regional cooperation is also essential, as the interconnected nature of Arab countries means migration policies in one country can significantly affect neighbouring nations. The present report provides a road map to harness migration’s potential, while addressing its challenges. By adopting a holistic and forward-looking approach, the Arab region can position migration as a source of strength, resilience and shared prosperity.