International Migration Policies

In many OECD countries international migration contributes significantly to the growth of total and active population. With population ageing, some countries are questioning the role that immigration might play to alleviate labour shortages. At the same time, they put emphasis on the management of migration flows, on the integration of immigrants into the labour market and on the need to reinforce the links between migration and development. In this context the OECD monitors migration statistics  and policies .

Click on the About item to know more on our activities.

What's new

Keep doors open to migrant workers to meet long-term labour needs, says OECD

30-Jun-2009

The economic crisis is likely to cause the first major fall in the number of migrants coming to work in OECD countries since the 1980s, according to a new OECD report. This is already happening, for example, in Ireland, Spain and the UK, which were among the countries first hit by the downturn.

High-Level Policy Forum on Migration

During the first-ever OECD High-Level Policy Forum on Migration (Paris, 29-30 June 2009), ministers and senior officials in charge of migration and integration issues will discuss the impact of the current economic crisis on international migration, management of labour migration movements and labour market integration of immigrants and their children.

The Database on International Migration - 2008 Edition

08-Apr-2009

NEW! The database on International Migration is LIVE. The tables extracted from International Migration Outlook 2008 contain data on foreign and foreign-born population, migration flows, naturalisations and labour market outcomes.

Policy Coherence for Development and Migration - High Level Parliamentary Conference in Brussels

on 12-Feb-2009

Almost 300 participants from Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and the Asia-Pacific region stressed that the financial and economic crisis reinforces the urgent need for comprehensive migration policies with a global approach. There was concurrence that well-managed labour migration can be advantageous for destination countries and bring significant benefits to origin countries thus contributing to poverty reduction. Participants called upon governments to develop coherent migration policies that take into account the development needs of both origin and receiving countries.

Creating Opportunities - Integration, Employment and Social Mobility: European Experiences and Scope for Manoeuvre

27-Jan-2009

By Angel Gurría, OECD Secretary-General.
The topic of the integration of immigrants is a particularly important one in these challenging times as OECD countries grapple with the economic and financial crisis and the rapid rise of unemployment. Integration is difficult even in good times, so we need to double our efforts to manage it well in bad times.

Jobs for Immigrants Vol. 2: Labour Market Integration in Belgium, France, The Netherlands and Portugal

17-Nov-2008

This publication reviews the labour market integration of immigrants and their children in four OECD countries - Belgium, France, The Netherlands and Portugal.  The viability of future migration policies, in particular greater recourse to immigration, will depend to a large extent on how successful OECD countries and immigrants are in achieving the objective of successful integration in the labour market.

The Looming Crisis in the Health Workforce

22-Oct-2008

OECD countries face a challenge in responding to the growing demand for doctors and nurses over the next 20 years and should adopt a comprehensive approach to health human resources, reinforce international cooperation and better monitor health workforce policies and migration.

A Profile of Immigrant Populations in the 21st Century

20-Feb-2008

A new OECD publication, A Profile of Immigrant Populations in the 21st Century, gives more accurate information and a better understanding of patterns of immigration over recent decades, based largely on national censuses from 2000. Migration is a key issue for OECD and this study is part of a broader programme to examine the policy challenges of migration in the context of population ageing and globalisation.

The Database on Immigrants in OECD countries (DIOC) is LIVE

22-May-2008

The new Database on Immigrants in OECD Countries (DIOC) provides comprehensive and comparative information on a broad range of demographic and labour market characteristics of immigrants living in OECD countries.

See more news and events… Top of page

The looming crisis in the health workforce

Health Workforce and Migration Project

Our Newsletter on Employment, Labour and Social Affairs


Online Services

Tailor the Web site to your preferred themes and receive e-mail alerts.

OECDdirect / MyOECD
Online BookShop