When supported by appropriate policies, international migration can contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development. Target 10.7 of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) calls on countries to facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, a non-legally binding framework for international cooperation among all relevant actors on migration, also recognized that migration is a source of prosperity, innovation and sustainable development and that these positive impacts can be optimized by improving migration governance.
This publication presents the highlights of the report World Population Policies 2019. It provides an overview of Government policies and programmes related to international migration, including policies to govern immigration and to address irregular migration. It reviews policy measures related to migrants’ rights, including access to services, as well as policies to foster the integration of migrants into host societies. It also examines Government measures to maximize the development impacts of migration and to support diaspora investment and migrant return.