The UN Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation Mechanism Thematic Working Group (TWG) on International Migration including Human Trafficking, co-chaired by ESCAP and IOM, launched the 2012 Situation Report on International Migration in South and South-West Asia in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 5 April 2012.

The Situation Report covers key characteristics and issues of concern regarding migration dynamics across ten countries - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Turkey. Migration dynamics within the subregion are diverse. Migration forms a significant livelihood strategy for countries that range in population from under half a million to more than one billion people, but within this group are both countries of origin and destination, as well as points of transit. The subregion has a large number of regular labour migrants, but also contains the largest irregular and refugee populations in the world.

Due to the complexity and diversity of migration patterns and the notable impact of migration on economic and social development in the subregion, obtaining consistent and reliable information on migration data is of paramount importance to policy making. The multi-agency report stresses the importance of coherent migration policies and increasing collaboration among countries of origin, transit and destination in South and South-West Asia. The report further enhances the understanding of migration issues in South and South-West Asia by providing comprehensive reference material on international migration to assist policymakers and practitioners. The report contains sound policy recommendations on international migration in the subregion, and identifies gaps in knowledge to guide future data collection and research activities.