IOM and the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) have launched an issue
briefs series focusing on labour migration in the Asia-Pacific
region. The eight-part series also will examine diaspora engagement
in Asia and climate-induced migration.

The first issue brief, Labour Migration from the Colombo Process
Countries, examines labour migration from the 11 Colombo Process
countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal,
Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam).

In 2010, an estimated 4.2 million workers migrated from these
countries through official channels, many leaving on a temporary
basis to work in the Middle East.  

The Philippines sent the largest number (nearly 1.5 million),
followed by India (641,000) and Indonesia (576,000). Overall, an
estimated 44.7 million migrants from the region are living outside
their country of origin. 

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Link alt="" border="0" height="12" hspace="0" src=
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Issue in Brief No.1 alt="" border="0" height="12" hspace="0" src=
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Policy Institute website

Since 2005, the Colombo Process countries have taken concrete,
proactive steps to manage the migration flows and protect their
citizens working abroad, strengthening their legislative and
administrative frameworks addressing recruitment regulation and
welfare protection, as well as signing new accords with key
destination countries. 

Despite the progress, however, the brief details a number of
remaining challenges and highlights 10 possible areas of focus for
governments. 

“Governments in Colombo Process countries face a
formidable task: creating efficient and equitable migration systems
that benefit labour migrants and their families while contributing
to long-term economic growth and development in countries of origin
and destination,” said Andy Bruce, IOM Regional Director for
Asia and the Pacific. 

In June, IOM and MPI will publish the second issue brief, this
one focusing on migrant health issues in the Asia-Pacific region.
Subsequent briefs will be published every month through December,
and will be available at: 

"http://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/migration_development.php">www.migrationpolicy.org/research/migration_development.php  
and

"http://publications.iom.int/bookstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35_36&products_id=792">http://publications.iom.int/bookstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35_36&products_id=792.