Recent developments in international migration movements and policies

This chapter provides an overview of recent developments in international migration movements in OECD countries. It begins with a description of the uptick in migration flows in 2014, based on preliminary and partial data. This is followed by a more detailed analysis of the trends in permanent migration from the start of the financial crisis through 2013, by country and by main category of migration – migration for work, family or humanitarian purposes, and migration within free movement areas. Temporary migration is then covered, with brief highlights on seasonal workers and intra-company transferees, and a focus on posting of workers within the European Economic Area (EEA). Close attention is then devoted to the spike in the number of asylum seekers, before turning to the international mobility of students. The chapter continues with a brief description of the composition of migration flows by gender and by country of origin, then turns to the evolution of the foreign-born population, the changing trends in net migration and the acquisition of nationality across OECD countries. A detailed policy section follows, describing the major recent developments in policies that regulate the entry and stay of foreign nationals in OECD countries. Large-scale revisions in migration frameworks are reviewed. Policy changes for different categories of migrants are examined (skilled and less skilled workers investors and entrepreneurs international students family migrants and humanitarian migrants). The developments in management systems for permits and for asylum procedures are discussed, followed by enforcement measures and those to encourage return.