Asia-Pacific Regional Review of Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration

International migration is an important multidimensional reality of major relevance for sustainable development to countries of origin, transit and destination. In 2019, there were about 65 million immigrants residing in Asia and the Pacific, 71 per cent of whom were from other countries within the region, and over 106 million emigrants from the region. Women make up 51 per cent of immigrants but only 46 per cent of emigrants (ESCAP, 2019).[1] Regional migration movements include a large percentage of people in search of better jobs and livelihoods. In addition, migration in the region is driven by a range of political, social and environmental factors, facilitated by networks and increasing levels of connectivity.

Through work, consumption, and taxes, migrants make significant contributions to sustainable development in developing countries of destination, and they build bridges between countries of origin and destination. In 2019, migrant workers sent over $327 billion in remittances to Asian and Pacific countries, over ten times the amount received as official development assistance in that year (World Bank, 2019).[2] Migration can also be empowering for migrants themselves, enabling them to learn new skills and broadening their horizons. Yet at the same time, many migrants in the region are faced with abuse, violence and exploitation throughout their migration experience which can have devastating impacts on individuals and community and also limit their ability to contribute to sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

In this context, and pursuant to General Assembly resolutions 73/195 and 73/326, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Regional United Nations Network on Migration for Asia and the Pacific of which ESCAP is a member, are organizing the Asia-Pacific Regional Review of Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. The meeting will be held from 10 to 12 March 2021 in Bangkok, Thailand, at the United Nations Conference Center, subject to prevailing circumstances.