Making migration a development factor: the case of North and West Africa

Migration can be a positive factor in the development of countries of origin through two main channels - remittances and return migration. But, in looking at five countries (Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia) this report shows how the global financial crisis has aggravated the already difficult employment situation in North and West Africa. There is little incentive for migrants to return to their home countries, and this paper looks at how to make migration, employment and development mutually supportive.