The current economic crisis is affecting almost all of the world’s economies and has also severely affected most of Asia’s economies. With the economic downturn and expected layoffs, it can also be foreseen that many migrant workers be among those severely affected. Rising unemployment in countries that host many migrant workers would increase the pressure on Governments to secure employment for the local population first. Several countries have already considered reducing their dependence on foreign workers, at least temporarily. These measures may, in a short period of time reverse the progress that has been made in the region towards more open labour markets and greater labour mobility. In addition, migrants who remain at the destination might be in an increasingly precarious status and subject to abuse during the crisis.
It is thus important for both countries of origin and of destination of migrants to assess the implications of the current economic crisis on migrants and migration trends and examine appropriate policy measures.
The meeting brings together representatives from Governments of member states involved in international migration and migration experts. The objectives of the meetings are to: 1) assess the impact of the current economic crisis on migrants and migration to date; 2) share the information regarding the measures that countries have taken or have announced; and 3) discuss policy options to better manage international migration at the time of crisis.
