Managing Migration

International migration has jumped up the policy agenda in most OECD countries over the past decade. There are several reasons for this. First, immigration flows grew rapidly during the 1990s and are now growing again, using at times irregular or unconventional channels (asylum seeking, tourism overstaying). There are currently close to three million long-term immigrants entering OECD countries legally every year, and even more temporary movements, if international students are included (see Chapter 1). And this does not count unauthorised movements. Secondly, with ageing populations and falling interest in certain occupations in OECD countries (sciences, building trades), it is expected that there will be need for more worker immigration in the near future.

International Migration Outlook 2006

Managing Migration

A Delicate Balancing Act