The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities, and disrupted migration and migration governance. Situations of vulnerability became more common, especially for migrants in areas affected by climate change, disasters, food insecurity, poverty, economic crises and conflict. The combination of such crises and global megatrends has significantly slowed the region’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

South-South migration predominant

South-South migration is predominant in Asia and the Pacific, with 70 per cent of migrants moving within the region, often within subregions. This intraregional migration is the most significant of the global South. The largest global South-South corridor is from South and South-West Asia to the Middle East, primarily involving male migrants but also an important destination for women migrant domestic workers. A significant proportion of the citizens of some Pacific States migrate, mostly to other Pacific islands States, Australia and New Zealand. North America is the main destination outside the region.

Labour and return migration

Labour migration dominates in Asia and the Pacific and is typically temporary. Periods away vary from brief stays for seasonal work to decades away working on temporary contracts. This transitoriness carries huge challenges for migrants and their families, and is linked to precarity and the undermining of their rights. Labour migration, nonetheless, contributes to GDP growth in origin and destination countries. Remittances, vital for migrants and their families, account for 40 per cent of GDP in some countries.

Return migration is common. This was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when millions returned to their country of origin, but continues more steadily outside crisis periods. Return migration that is safe, dignified and respects migrants’ rights, requires cooperation between host countries and countries of origin. The objective should be the sustainable reintegration of migrants through gender-responsive and child-sensitive return and reintegration programmes. Returning migrants must be provided equal access to justice, social protection and decent work. Yet, if the objective is clear, data to inform solutions is scarce.

Challenges for older migrants

Many older migrants, especially divorced or widowed women, lack social protection and live in precarious conditions. These migrants suffered disproportionately during the COVID-19 pandemic due to discrimination on the basis of age and migrant status. Older migrants are often excluded from pension schemes and when they can participate in schemes the portability of their entitlements is uncertain. The lack of social safety nets mean older migrants may need to continue working, but they face barriers linked to age and ethnicity and may have to contend with occupational health problems or disabilities.

Migrants in irregular status

Limited access to and high costs of regular migration pathways give rise to significant levels of irregular migration. Arduous journeys, including dangerous sea crossings, are too common. Securitized borders, risky interception methods and detention are just some of the factors that exacerbate these risks and lead to migrant deaths. Few pathways to permanent residence, or on human rights and humanitarian grounds, exist in the region. Safe, regular and orderly migration pathways are crucial to uphold migrants’ human rights. Meeting this obligation is central to States’ commitment to supporting sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.