2018年-世界发展银行全球_Migration_and_Remittances___Recent_Developments_and_Outlook_-_Transit_Migration_51页_6mb

Summary of Migration and Remittances: Recent Developments and Outlook

Core Content

This report provides an overview of recent trends in global migration and remittance flows, with a special focus on transit migration. It highlights the role of the Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development (KNOMAD) in generating knowledge and policy options related to migration and development. The report also discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 10.c.1 (reducing remittance costs) and SDG 10.7.1 (recruitment costs for migrant workers).

Main Points

Global Remittance Flows

• In 2017, remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) increased by 8.5%, reaching $466 billion, a record high.
• Remittances are now more than three times the size of official development assistance and more stable than private capital flows.
• The global remittance volume reached $613 billion in 2017, driven by economic recovery in the EU, Russia, and the US.
• Remittance flows rebounded in all regions, with the highest growth in Europe and Central Asia (20.9%).
• The global average cost of sending remittances remained at 7.1% in early 2018, well above the SDG target of 3% by 2030.

Regional Trends

• East Asia and the Pacific: Remittances rebounded by 5.8% in 2017, with China as the top recipient.
• Europe and Central Asia: Remittances grew by 20.9% in 2017, largely due to the appreciation of the Russian ruble against the USD.
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Remittance flows showed robust growth in 2017, with Mexico and Nigeria as major recipients.
• Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Remittances grew by 9.3% in 2017, with Russia being the cheapest country to send money from the ECA region.
• South Asia: Remittances grew by 5.8%, with India as the largest recipient, and costs varied across corridors.
• Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Remittances increased by 11.4% in 2017, led by Nigeria, and costs remained high due to low formal remittance volumes and limited technology penetration.

Transit Migration

• Transit migration is a significant phenomenon, with major routes including:
  • Sub-Saharan Africa → North Africa → Europe
  • West Asia/South Asia → Turkey → Europe
  • Central America → Mexico → United States
  • West Asia → Thailand/Malaysia/Indonesia → Australia
• Not all transit migrants aim to reach Europe or North America; some choose alternative destinations based on ease of entry and security.
• Transit migration is driven by push factors such as poverty and conflict, and pull factors such as economic opportunities.
• It has limited positive impacts and can create competition for jobs and public services in transit countries.
• Transit countries, mostly LMICs, face pressure on public resources due to the influx of migrants.
• Policy responses should focus on respecting human rights, facilitating legal migration channels, and addressing the root causes of migration.

Global Compact on Migration (GCM)

• The GCM, being negotiated by over 200 countries, outlines 22 objectives to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration.
• It includes provisions for migration induced by environmental change and natural disasters.
• The GCM proposes three International Migration Review Forums in 2022, 2026, and 2030.
• Successful implementation of the GCM requires formalizing its objectives based on existing international agreements.
• Multilateral agencies can support the GCM by providing data collection, technical assistance, and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders.

Recruitment Costs

• Recruitment costs for low-skilled migrant workers are higher in LMICs, and those who pay high fees are more likely to be underpaid or not compensated for injuries.
• Efforts to reduce these costs require better monitoring of recruitment agents and facilitating direct recruitment by bona fide employers.

Key Information

• KNOMAD is supported by a multi-donor trust fund managed by the World Bank, with Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland as major contributors.
• De-risking by commercial banks continues to increase remittance costs due to restrictive practices and lack of competition.
• Cryptocurrencies and blockchain are seen as potential solutions but face regulatory and technological barriers.
• Anti-migration sentiments and restrictive policies in North America, Europe, Russia, and the GCC pose downside risks to remittance flows.
• SDG indicators are used to monitor remittance volume, cost reduction, and recruitment cost trends.
• The World Bank is actively involved in data collection, policy analysis, and technical support for the GCM and related initiatives.

Conclusion

The report underscores the complex interplay between migration, remittances, and development, highlighting the need for coordinated policy responses to address transit migration challenges, reduce remittance costs, and improve working conditions for migrant workers. It also emphasizes the importance of multilateral cooperation in achieving safe, orderly, and regular migration and meeting SDG targets.