South-East Asia

Migration in South-East Asia presents a variety of forms that reflect the complexity of the region. In addition to out-migration to countries of permanent settlement, the region has temporary labour migration toward the Middle East and Asia as well as labour movements within the region. Throughout the Indo-Chinese refugee crisis the region served as a place of first asylum, and unsettled conflicts still result in temporary outflows of refugees. There are three major migration subsystems in which ad hoc migration policies produced a large number of unauthorized migrants. The recent financial and economic crisis strengthened the resolve of governments to bring unauthorized migration under control; however, bleak economic prospects only increased migration pressure. Long avoided, initial steps toward cooperation on a regional dialogue on migration are now under way.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions