Mainstreaming migration into development planning: a handbook for policy makers and practitioners

This paper examines how migration and development are linked, the potential benefits of mainstreaming migration into development, and the current state of affairs with including migration issues into development planning around the world. It sheds light on the interplays between migration, development and human rights, explaining that all persons – irrespective of their nationality and immigration status – are entitled to enjoy protection of their human and labour rights. The report examines how international migration is related to development by looking at: the development of the migrants themselves; the development of their households; and the development of the communities and countries they leave/join.

The handbook further discusses a range of external factors which affect an individual’s motivation to migrate, including economic factors, poor governance and public services, absence of social and political freedoms, demographic imbalances, conflict, environmental factors, and the emergence of transnational networks. It also highlights the benefits of mainstreaming migration into development, stating that the most appropriate way to ensure a systematic approach is to mainstream migration and development (M&D) issues into country level planning frameworks.

The author describes the institutional structures and policy frameworks that need to be put in place in order to effectively integrate migration into the development planning cycle. It notes that development planning generally goes through the stages of: situation assessment and analysis; identification of strategic goals and priorities; programme planning; funding and capacity development; implementation; evaluation and monitoring.

It argues that those initiating or managing a mainstreaming process should ensure the following elements are in place before a mainstreaming exercise begins:

• strong political support at a high level
• national ownership of the mainstreaming process
• early involvement of key stakeholders
• a shared understanding of objectives
• broad-based participation based on clear roles and responsibilities.
  

Below are some of the recommendations it gives to Governments to ensure that migration positively influences development.

• Ensure that national laws and practice that promote and protect human rights apply to migrant workers, and that they are respected by all concerned. They should ensure that migration takes place under legal, safe and orderly conditions, with respect for the human rights of migrants.
• Establish retention incentives to encourage skilled professionals to remain in their home country.
• Adopt multilateral and national codes of conduct to prevent the ’poaching‘ of highly skilled workers in sensitive sectors.