Discussing migration means first coming to grips with its complex
and multifarious nature. It cannot be managed simply in the
framework of national policies, however effective they may be.

Migration flows are increasingly taking the form of temporary or
circular migration for work purposes, although other more permanent
forms do persist.

These flows can be beneficial to the development and growth of
both countries of origin and of destination, to the world economy
and to the migrants themselves, if all their components are
analysed together and on a transregional basis. The skills of
migrants, their financial resources and the diaspora networks are
potential sources of considerable leverage for communities of
origin, and are undeniable assets for host countries as well.

Moreover, irregular migration is of concern to all African and
European countries when it comes to controlling and managing the
flows. Their impact can be tragic, whether owing to the risks
emanating from the activities of international criminal networks to
which the most vulnerable often fall victim, or on account of the
conditions of travel, whatever the means of transport and the route
chosen.

The aim of this Conference that has brought us together here on
Moroccan territory is precisely to forge a clearer link between all
the components of national, regional and continental migration
policies, and development issues. This will call for coherence of
action that is still largely lacking given the transversal nature
of migration and the absence of appropriate coordinative structures
in many countries.

Significant initiatives and political decisions have recently
been taken in that regard in the African continent and they merit
the support of development partners, given their diversity and
complementarity. In particular, that would imply the systematic
incorporation of migration issues into the Poverty Reduction
Strategy Papers, which form the reference framework for exchanges
between Governments and bilateral and multilateral cooperation
programmes.

Action in the field is our common priority, and it is urgent for
us together to progress beyond an approach based on sectoral
projects that address one specific aspect of migration management
or a limited geographical area, toward a global programmatic
approach that encompasses the various fields of possible action,
and is commensurate with the complexity of the routes and patterns
of migration.

That will be the major challenge in the follow up of this
Ministerial Conference, which is a crucial juncture for the three
groups of countries concerned, in sub-Saharan Africa, the Maghreb
and in Europe.

But we will undoubtedly need to start by agreeing on the
objectives, and we must not be afraid of words: it is just as
important to suggest cooperation priorities that ensure better
local development in countries of origin and improved utilisation
of inputs from the diaspora, as it is to guarantee observance of
sovereign rules established by States to govern the entry and stay
of foreigners on their territory.

Countering irregular migration and its networks, especially
through targeted information campaigns in regions of high
out-migration, should go hand-in-hand with promoting possibilities
for regular migration. This applies to the movement of persons
whether in the short-term, as foreseen in the General Agreement on
Trade in Services (GATS), the medium-term as in the case of
students, or in the longer term as in the case of persons admitted
for the purposes of family reunification, for example.

It is therefore necessary to build the capacities of African
countries in the various fields related to migration management,
and this should be approached both by adapting initial training
courses at universities and professional schools, and by organising
ad hoc technical training programmes for the various players
responsible for these matters, in line with priorities set by
States or by Regional Economic Communities.

That will undoubtedly make for a better grasp of the challenges
posed by the movement of skills, which is surely a more exact
designation than "the brain drain", if African migrants are to
contribute to the development of their country of origin, along the
lines of several programmes already under way, such as the MIDA
programme (Migration for Development in Africa) in Ghana, Senegal
and the Great Lakes region.

Furthermore, that will help solve the problems now stemming from
the upsurge in transit migration between south Asia, sub-Saharan
Africa and the Maghreb, with its sequel of human tragedies in
desert areas or on the seas and oceans resulting from desperate
attempts by people whose watchword is "Europe or death".

In line with the global mandate enshrined in our constitution,
IOM is highly active in these various fields and in other technical
aspects of migration management. On the basis of our concrete field
experience, we have drafted a discussion paper that strives to lay
out an integrated and coherent operational programme, and I shall
be submitting it to you for study.

Maintaining the register of common opportunities is undoubtedly
more complex than that of conditionalities, but the exchanges it
entails are per se a guarantee of greater success. Wherever there
are ongoing regional consultation processes on migration, the
resulting changes of mentality and the sharing of information and
experiences are making it possible to improve on national laws and
regulations. In addition, they are helping to foster a social and
economic climate favourable to investment in human capital and to
the creation of job and income-generating enterprises, in keeping
with timetables and modalities proper to each case.

We are at a seminal moment in a continuum, and I believe that we
bear a weighty responsibility. The Brussels Conference in February
as well as last week's meeting in Turin were milestones on the way
to the first High-Level Dialogue scheduled for September at the
United Nations on this same topic of "Migration and
Development".

It is my view that like other initiatives, this Euro-African
Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development must make a
tangible contribution to that Dialogue, as the Action Plan that has
been discussed by the countries and the concerned regional bodies
with their partners amply illustrates the role of interregional
dialogue in setting up practical cooperation mechanisms.

Mr. Chairman, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

While creating jobs where people live is the best option, the
mobility of persons across borders for reasons of employment is
here to stay in our globalizing world and likely to increase. Given
this, the efficient and equitable management of international
labour migration is needed to optimize its positive impact and
minimize any negative effects for both countries of origin and
destination as well as for migrant workers and their families.

Migrants are actors in development, in both countries of origin
and destination. Labour migration has become a key feature in
enabling industrialized countries to meet economic, labour market
and productivity challenges in a globalized economy. Migration
today serves as an instrument for meeting labour market and skills
shortages in host countries. In countries with ageing populations,
migration also offers a potential for at least partially
replenishing a declining workforce and narrowing the fiscal gap
between government revenues and social expenditure. For countries
of origin, migrant remittances to developing countries, estimated
at over USD 160 billion in 2005, constitute a vital source of
foreign exchange, and income for remittance receiving
households.

Indeed, a growing body of knowledge amply demonstrates that both
male and female migrants make a large contribution to economic and
social development in both their host and country of origin.
Despite this scenario, many migrant workers remain vulnerable to
abuse during recruitment, travel and employment abroad. A common
problem faced by migrant workers is high migration costs as a
result of excessive (and often illegal) intermediation fees. Other
problems include, in some countries, poor working conditions,
absence of adequate social protection and freedom of association,
and xenophobia. These problems erode the benefits of migration for
all parties and seriously undermine its development impact
including productive employment and decent work. Where necessary,
countries of origin and destination need to have in place policies,
legislation and mechanisms that afford migrant workers protection
and support from any abuses in the labour migration process. An
important part of IOM's work in labour migration is policy dialogue
and technical cooperation in putting such systems in place.

A second challenge in creating a conducive environment for
generating full and productive employment, where the role of
migration is concerned, is better management of migration that both
facilitates labour mobility and discourages irregular migration.
Less cumbersome procedures which permit migrant workers in sectors
where there is a labour shortage will be beneficial to all sides,
and will likewise under-cut irregular migration. Countries of
origin have an interest in discouraging irregular migration, too,
as irregular migrants are often more vulnerable to abuse and
exploitation. IOM has been working with governments, employers and
workers in countries of origin and destination in facilitating
legal labour migration while preventing irregular migration.

Migration can have adverse consequences and one of these is the
emigration of skilled human resources, particularly where small and
fragile economies are concerned. Without impinging on the principle
of freedom of movement, measures such as promoting ethical
recruitment practices and facilitating the voluntary return of
qualified nationals can be taken. At the same time the resources
and skills of the migrant diasporas can be utilized to generate
employment in countries of origin. IOM's Migration for Development
in Africa (MIDA) programme is an example of how this is being
achieved.

Finally, in closing, I would like to stress the importance of
international dialogue and cooperation in managing migration for
the benefit of all, including in generating productive employment
and decent work. Labour migration has moved to the top of the
policy agendas of many countries. Governments at both ends of the
migration spectrum are increasing their regulatory capacities to
manage labour mobility for the mutual benefit of society, migrants
and the state. At the same time, by its very nature, international
migration is a cross-border or transnational phenomena, and cannot
therefore be managed or addressed solely at the national level. The
development of effective, fair and durable labour migration
policies and practices requires cooperation among all states
involved in the process (i.e. countries of origin, transit and
destination). The IOM has been promoting such dialogue and
cooperation through regional consultative processes (at the
regional level) and the International Dialogue on Migration. We
look forward to continuing to work with all stake-holders to make
labour migration a true instrument of employment and development in
origin and host countries as well as for migrants themselves.

Thank you for your attention.