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International Migration Trends

Cross-border migration is increasing worldwide. International organisations and governments report record numbers of refugees and migrants. A substantial part of cross-border migration occurs not into industrialised nations but between poorer countries. Most refugees and migrants do not leave their home region. For many host countries and regions, migration constitutes a serious political challenge.

Whilst understanding of international migration has markedly improved in the last decades, it is still fragmentary. For instance, there is a lack of reliable data on immigration and emigration for many host, origin and transit countries; on the duration of stay of refugees and migrants; and on the socioeconomic consequences of migration. Internationally comparable statistics continue to be in short supply, and it is almost impossible to forecast future migrations. These factors complicate not only attempts to manage migration, but also to evaluate its consequences in terms of development policy and draw up appropriate strategies.

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