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2014 ASTANA ECONOMIC FORUM

IOM Roundtable “MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE CUSTOMS’ UNION”

May 22 2014, 11:30 – 13:00

Astana, May 14, 2014 - On May 22^nd 2014 the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Central Asian Coordination Office organizes, under the auspices of the 2014 VII Astana Economic Forum, a Roundtable on “Migration and Development in the Customs’ Union” (htt…;)

The Roundtable aims to raise awareness at the policy level about recent trends and provide policymakers the opportunity to discuss Governments’,  IOM’s and private sector’s experience in facilitating labour migration in order to maximize the development potential of South-South migration.

Migration and development are highly interdependent processes. Development is a dynamic process implying growth, advancement, empowerment and progress, with the goal of increasing human capabilities, enlarging the scope of human choices, and creating a safe and secure environment where citizens can live with dignity and equality. In the development process, it is important that people’s productivity, creativity and choices are broadened, and that opportunities are created. Maximizing the positive relationship between migration and development has long been a focus of IOM’s work.

Migration and development is a key priority in Central Asia, and neighbouring countries, especially given the large scale of labour mobility in the region. Recognising the need for both high and lower-skilled workers, the issue of orderly managed migration, in particular labour migration, is increasingly important in the Central Asian region. It is an important theme for further policy discussion in the framework of the Customs Union because the Customs Union provides certain liberties in terms of human mobility therefore allowing migrant workers opportunities within its vast geographical territory. This discussion involves international and national stakeholders, and public and private partners.

Kazakhstan is a country of transit, origin and destination in Central Asia and the wider CIS region at the same time in the ax of South-South migratory movements the corridor “Kazakhstan to Russian Federation, and vice versa” is considered to be a major one. With Kazakhstan’s robust economic development continuing in the next years, it is expected that the challenges of complex migration dynamics for both origin and destination countries will increase.  Cooperation frameworks together with polices that are well designed and can respond to labour market needs are necessary for the region to remain competitive and continue to grow. Current migration trends in Central Asia present significant development challenges as well as opportunities for development.

IOM’s roundtable on “Migration and Development in the Customs’ Union” will raise awareness at the policy level about recent trends and provide the policymakers the opportunity to discuss their Governments’ and IOM’s experience in facilitating labour migration and maximizing the development potential of South-South migration. Recommendations will include innovative approaches for adapting partnerships to changing migration patterns.

Key issues to be addressed will evolve around, but not be limited, to the following areas:

• South-South migration flows and how does South-South migration contribute to regional and sub-regional development especially within the context of the Customs Union;
• How can cooperation on migration between countries of Central Asia and the wider CIS region be improved and what role can international organizations play in maximizing the benefits of human mobility in the context of South-South migration;
• Outline policy challenges and highlight how inter-State, regional and global partnerships manage complex migration trends/flows in order to better harness the benefits for migrants and societies;
• Discuss cooperation frameworks,  such as Regional Consultative Processes on Migration (RCPs), and identify areas that need new approaches or greater cooperation;
• Consider if more responsive labour migration strategies linked to the needs of the labour market can be created through strategic partnerships between governments, the private sector, international organizations and civil society as part of a holistic approach to foster economic growth;
• Consider how public-private partnerships (PPPs) can serve the interests of all stakeholders in combatting challenges such as exploitative and abusive recruitment practices and promote fair and ethical recruitment.

IOM’s role in Central Asia

The IOM Central Asia Coordination Office is based in Astana, with an additional office operating in Almaty, Kazakhstan. IOM in Central Asia was established in 1992 and to date, throughout its active presence, has proven ability to generate necessary expertise in addressing migration challenges at all levels. IOM works closely with national governments,   policy makers, civil society, academic institutes, and the private sector to address migration management issues. The strategic vision of IOM Central Asia is to maximize the potential for migration to contribute to development and economic growth in Central Asia.

To achieve this vision and fulfill IOM’s mandate to promote humane and orderly migration management, the following objectives have been defined:

• To improve understanding of migration among governments, communities and employers.
• To help establish efficient migration management systems and address issues surrounding irregular migration. To promote and protect the rights of migrants.
• To help create an enabling environment for decent labour, equal employment and educational opportunities and implementation of best practices.
• To support community stabilization and migrant integration in conflict-prone areas.
• To provide assistance to people on the move.
• To address the many issues associated with human trafficking, including prevention of trafficking and protection of victims.

IOM Today

An intergovernmental organization established in 1951, IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.

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