Introduction

International migration has been a key defining feature of external linkages of countries in the Asia-Pacific region for centuries. From migrants travelling in search of markets or goods in the times of the Silk and Spice Routes, to indentured workers sent from Asia to other countries in the region and beyond in the colonial era, to movements in search of education and jobs in the contemporary Asia-Pacific region, the nature of migration has evolved over time. Throughout these periods, the drivers, directions, and pathways of migration have changed, but the role of migration remains in influencing social and economic change, influencing tastes, languages, and cultural practices; building links between disparate places; and helping to shape the history of the region.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions