Least Developed Countries: Migration and Development in the Asia and Pacific Region

1
Least Developed Countries Migration and
Development in the Asia and Pacific Region

2
Migration and Social Issues

• Migration as a social issues for LDCs
• All LDCs are sending countries of labour migrants
  due to uneven economic development in the region
  and globally
• Migration is both intra-regional and
  extra-regional (Europe, Middle East, North
  America)

3
Migration and Social Issues

• In most LDCs remittances make up a significant
  part of disposable income, particularly in the
  Pacific countries
• In some countries, remittances are necessary just
  to meet basic needs
• Remittances are of growing importance that
  means migration is of growing importance

4
Regional Seminar on the Social Implications of
Migration

• Co-organized by ESCAP, IOM, UNFPA Asian Forum
  of Parliamentarians for Policy and Development
  (AFFPD)
• Attended by government officials and
  parliamentarians from 12 Asian Countries
  including some LDCs (Cambodia, Laos PDR,
  Bangladesh, Nepal)

5
Regional Seminar (Continued)

• Agreed that migration is an important
  contributing factor to development and the
  achievement of the Millennium Development Goals
• Agreed to a set of Recommended Actions

6
Recommended Actions - Regional

• Increased dialogue and cooperation among
  countries in the region on migration and
  development issues
• Intergovernmental organizations are encouraged to
  promote the establishment of a regional
  consultative process

7
National Policy Development

• Strengthening measures that will protect migrants
  throughout the migration process and increase
  dialogue between sending and receiving countries
• Enhance measures in relation to reducing brain
  drain
• Improved and accessible migrant health systems in
  destination countries

8
Studies and Research

• Increased policy relevant research on
  international migration and development,
  including
• a systematic study of migration and development
  in Asia reflecting the state of knowledge of the
  levels and trends of such migration

9
Conclusion