The Future of International Migration within Asia

Abstract

Data on flows from Asia to the Middle East and developing countries as well as on flows within Asia are presented, followed by a discussion of the growing importance of intraregional labor migration. Demographic pressures and widely varying economic growth rates will stimulate this movement and bring greater private and government agency participation. Female and family migration and settlement will be encouraged by geographic and cultural proximity. As intraregional labor migration becomes more institutionalized, governments face major policy challenges for planning, regulating and monitoring overseas employment; for the protection of migrant workers; and for stronger regional cooperation.