Mr. Chairman, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) welcomes this
opportunity to take the floor today, to speak about the changing
age structures of populations and their implications for
development.

The changing nature of demographics is ever more visible.
Rapidly ageing populations and falling birthrates characterize
nearly all industrialized countries, while in the 50 least
developed countries we see continuous rapid population growth and
an overabundance of young job seekers. The
Secretary-General’s reports on these themes clearly
illustrate the impacts of these changing demographics on societies
and the need to incorporate key demographic trends into the
international development agenda and national development
strategies.

Mr. Chairman,

IOM shares the views of DESA, as set forth in the World
Population Policies 2005 report, that migration is increasingly
intersecting with national concerns about low fertility and
population ageing, unemployment, human rights and citizen rights,
social integration, xenophobia and national security. These
concerns, separately and together, have led over the course of the
past few years to a major re-examination of international migration
policies and to far greater attention being paid to the potential
benefits and disadvantages accruing to origin and destination
countries.

In order for international migration to respond to these
challenges, migration practices must reflect broad and far-sighted
policies. In our globalized world, we have managed to free the
movement of goods, services and capital, but migration policies
have not progressed at the same pace; indeed, in many instances,
they have become more restrictive. The need for a readjustment of
these policies is beginning to emerge, even if often it is only
from a temporary labour migration perspective. However, we should
not overlook how international migration can have long-lasting,
potentially positive effects on countries where there is labour
force demand as well as those countries which have an abundance of
workers. International migration can inject a vibrant and educated
workforce in countries that need them, and can ease economic
tensions by helping to sustain pension systems. For countries of
origin, the migration of their workers can relieve unemployment
pressures. Additionally, sizeable benefits arise from remittances
and from the transfer and circulation of skills from overseas
diasporas, both phenomena helping to reduce poverty levels. 
The Secretary-General’s reports highlight how some
governments are reconsidering the role of international migration
in responding to these challenges. Many are admitting - either on a
temporary or permanent basis - both skilled and unskilled migrants,
and in parallel are taking more proactive measures to promote the
socio-economic integration of these migrants.

Mr. Chairman,

Ageing populations also demand particular labour intensive care
and assistance that may not be available when birthrates are
falling and the work force is declining. When the labour demands of
caring for an elderly population can not be met from domestic
sources, immigration can be part of the solution. However, to be
effective in meeting these specific labour demands and to ensure a
safe and humane labour mobility process, proper migration
management policies need to be in place. The risks of irregular
migration, particularly trafficking and smuggling, are high when
migration policies do not reflect real labour market needs and
real-world migratory patterns.

Mr. Chairman,

For migration to serve as a resource for addressing some of the
effects of  ageing populations, it needs to be effectively
managed. Effectively managed not only to provide the required
labour needed, but also to do so via an orderly and principled
migration process which will reduce the vulnerability of migrants
throughout the migration cycle. A number of countries have already
established bilateral agreements to facilitate and match labour
demand and supply. Such agreements are a step towards ensuring a
safe migration process. IOM is also working with governments and
intergovernmental partners - in the latter case, in the context of
the Global Migration Group (GMG) - to develop mutually beneficial
migration frameworks. We certainly stand ready to offer further
support and assistance wherever needed.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.