The limits to migration and development policies

The sheer complexity of migration policies defies easy categorization. The complexity applies both to policies designed specifically to address migration and direct policies, and to policies designed for some other objective but which can have profound impacts upon migration - indirect policies. For reasons of practicality, this entry focuses primarily on the direct policies of immigration, emigration, migration and development, and integration. While the state is central to any analysis of migration policy, so, too, are the subnational units such as metropolitan areas, as well as supra-national units such as regional groupings. The multilateral, global level also provides a normative framework. Migration policy becomes challenged by underlying economic, political and social trends and the specific example of the ‘shock’ of COVID-19 is examined. The varying policy responses in the migration and development debate are outlined, which often give the illusion of control rather than of any ability to promote development or achieve objectives. Probabilities of success are only likely where migration policies are fully integrated into wider development policies.