Primary Submission Category: Migration
Migration Trends, Impacts, and Pathways to Sustainable Development in Asia
Authors:Â Ndirangu Ngunjiri
Presenting Author: Ndirangu Ngunjiri*
The world is now witnessing unprecedented numbers of people forced from their place of origins. Over 70.8 million people had been displaced by 2020, with over 23 million crossing international borders and becoming classified as refugees. People migrate for many reasons such as, in response to climate change; for better employment opportunities; or to escape from persecution. The problems faced by particular migrants, and what a more sustainable approach to migration would look like are often not discussed. This study aims to address those gaps: the article conceptualizes, based on established researches. We create a conceptual framework of sustainability in migration processes, building on the concepts of inter- and intergenerational justice. We apply this conceptual framework to empirical findings on migration in Asia countries. Using a combination of a gravity econometric model and an overlapping generation’s model, we estimate the probability of bilateral migration among 20 countries in the period of 1981 to 2021 and use these findings to project migration flows and their implications for sustainable development. Our results show that migrants increases sustainable development in Asian countries, and closes the inequality gap in Asia. Through their work, their remittances and the links they build between countries, they reduce poverty, provide vital services, and support families and communities in countries of origin, transit and destination, improve security and, contribute to local economic growth. Asian industrial countries with ageing populations, migrant workers are an increasingly important part of the labor force and support national welfare systems. Our recommendations national and international policies need to reflect the contribution of migration to sustainable development. In conclusion, migration is usually seen as problematic, it contributes to sustainable development.