Migration and Development

Maximizing the positive relationship between migration and development has long been a strategic focus of IOM’s work. In an era of unprecedented levels of human mobility, the need to develop a fuller understanding of the linkages between migration and development is particularly urgent, as is the need to act in practical ways to enhance the benefits migration can have for development, and to elaborate sustainable solutions for problematic migration situations.

IOM approaches the linkages between migration and development from the perspective that international migration, if properly managed, can contribute to the growth and prosperity of countries of origin and of destination, as well as benefit migrants themselves. IOM, therefore, aims at harnessing the development potential of migration for the benefit of individual migrants and societies.

Programme activities in this area include strengthening the capacity of governments and other stakeholders to effectively involve migrant populations in development processes in their countries of origin, fostering economic and community development in areas where there is a high level of emigration, enhancing the development impact of remittances and facilitating the return and reintegration of qualified nationals.

Projects IOM’s regional office for Southern Africa has undertaken in this area include:

• Capacity building on internal migration and development in Madagascar
• Developing an overseas employment and Diaspora mobilisation strategy for Mauritius
• An assessment looking into the potential of recruiting Foreign Health Care Professionals to work in the Public Sector Health Care in South Africa