ASIA REGIONAL MIGRATION PROGRAM

The migration and mobility landscape in South, South-East, and Central Asia is dynamic, diverse, and complex, characterized by circular and seasonal migration, regular and irregular migration, large populations of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced people, and stateless persons.   

Due to its largely irregular nature, the exact magnitude of migration trends in the region is unknown. International migration flows in the South and South-East Asia subregions are shaped by two main factors:

1. Disparities between countries in terms of economic and social development
2. Demographic differences among the populations in countries of origin and destination countries affecting the labour market supply and demand.

Shocks, including crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, also impact migration. Migrant smuggling routes in the South and South-East Asia region are well established, with migrants typically smuggled across formal border crossings or along smaller unofficial points along the border. The tolerance towards irregular migration flows also leaves the region very vulnerable to labour exploitation and trafficking. 

In response to these challenges, the Asia Regional Migration Program aims to strengthen the capacities and resources of governments in Asia to manage complex migration flows in the region, particularly in assisting migrants in vulnerable and crisis situations, through enhanced structures, policies, processes, safe and legal migration pathways, and effective partnerships at the national, subregional, and regional levels. 

Asia RMP Infosheet