Migration governance and labour migration

Effective migration management and its linkages with economic, social and environmental policies are of strategic relevance for stability, security and economic growth in the OSCE region. When well-governed and regulated, the impact of migration in countries of origin, destination and transit can be a positive driving force for prosperity and economic development. Effective migration governance is essential in balancing border control, demographic change, economic development, and skill-specific needs of labour markets. International co-operation, based on evidence and analysis, is imperative to implement efficient and effective migration policies.

The Office of the Co-ordinator supports the OSCE participating States in addressing effectively the opportunities and challenges related to migration management and labour migration, facilitating dialogue and co-operation on effective policies and practices, and bridging knowledge gaps. The Office focuses on the following key areas of action:

• Deepening an inclusive dialogue and co-operation at all levels within and between States: The ever-changing migration dynamics require the continuous search for common grounds among a variety of stakeholders to address challenges and leverage opportunities.
• Bridging the knowledge gap: To display their positive impact, legal migration policies need to be grounded on socioeconomic analysis and evidence. The Office produces knowledge tools, such as policy guides and handbooks, and supports the establishment of comparable data collection systems in countries of origin, transit and destination.
• Assisting participating States to improve migration legislation and implement effective national policy frameworks: By involving governments, social partners, civil society, the private sector, migrants’ communities and diaspora, as well as academia, the Office fosters co-operation and partnerships to facilitate effective legal migration schemes, such as circular migration and other forms of voluntary labour mobility programmes, for the benefit of both the countries of origin and of destination, and of migrants.