Handbook on Establishing Effective Labour Migration Policies

Labour migration, or the movement of people across borders for employment, has moved to the top of the policy agendas in many countries of origin, transit and destination. Governments at both ends of the migration spectrum are increasing their regulatory capacities to manage labour mobility to the mutual benefit of society, migrants and the state. Many are turning more and more to international and regional organizations for expert support in the formulation of effective labour migration policies. An increasing number of developing countries and countries with economies in transition seek to adopt policies to promote foreign employment for a part of their workforce and thus generate remittances, while providing safeguards to protect their citizens abroad. Some middle-income countries are also destination countries and are seeking ways to improve management of their labour inflows. Many high-income countries, while having longstanding migration policies, must continually adjust to meet labour market needs, attract skilled migrants, address demand for low-skilled workers, reduce irregular migration and mitigate any harmful effects of braindrain to countries of origin.