


06/2009
International labor migration promotes economic development in sending countries and can help overcome skill shortages and demographic problems in host countries. Nevertheless, many of these potential benefits are not realized because immigration policies are often too restrictive and not harmonized between host and sending countries.
Two aspects appear to be crucial in making migration more beneficial for both sides. First, host countries should take more responsibility for economically and socially integrating immigrants in their societies. Second, host and sending countries should cooperate to provide migrants with more flexible migration opportunities and incentives to return.
What are benchmarks for successful policies for the economic integration and social inclusion of immigrants?