Learning by doing: experiences of circular migration

Circular migration is a continuing, long-term and fluid pattern of international mobility of people among countries that occupy what is now increasingly recognised as a single economic space. At its best, circular migration increases the likelihood that both countries of origin and destination gain from international mobility. Focusing specifically on South- North migration this paper examines circular migration experiences, attempts to evaluate how circular migration is living up to its apparent promise, and reviews the outcomes governments might realistically expect of it.

The authors show how current patters of circular migration fall into several categories: seasonal migration; non seasonal low- wage labour; and the mobility of professionals, academics and transnational entrepreneurs. Selection of workers with the right skills for the available jobs, guaranteeing repeat access to programmes for workers who comply with their terms, and removing administrative obstacles to mobility are steps that governments can take to encourage circular migration. In addition the paper argues that flexible long term residence permits and dual nationality also appears to increase circular flows. The author looks at formal programs meant to create circular migration as well as circularity that has arisen spontaneously. The document primarily focuses on the economic consequences of circular migration rather than the social and cultural benefits. The following points are raised:

• policy makers are now recognising that ensuring labour circularity does not have to come at the expense of migrants rights
• programmes meant to encourage circular migration are unlikely to work if they are too bureaucratic, inflexible, costly and too slow to respond to employers needs
• programmes that rely too heavily on compulsion rather than incentives are both difficult and expensive to implement
• policy makers need to remember that most circular migration arises spontaneously and responds to the self interests of migrants and employers.