Availability of Statistics on International Migration

1. Availability of Statistics on International Migration Haoyi Chen United Nations Statistics Division

2. The need for better statistics on international migration A need for practical, evidence-based measures to enhance the benefits of migration and minimize its negative effects. Summary of the High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development

3. Objective • Use data collected for the Demographic Yearbook to illustrate how basic data needs can potentially be met. • Recommendations

4. Demographic Yearbook data collection on international migration statistics • Statistics on international migrant stock (Population Census Questionnaire): • Total size • Country of birth/citizenship • Age • Sex • Duration in the country • Occupation • Statistics on international migrant flows (Questionnaire on International Migration and Travel Statistics) • Total size of inflows and outflows • Different types of inflows and outflows • Source of data

5. Data and Limitations (1)Migrant Stock • Country replies for the 2000 round censuses are analyzed • Data are not yet available for some censuses conducted in 2003 or 2004 • Data might be available in countries but not to the United Nations • Not all countries collect information on international migration in census

6. Data and Limitations (2)Migrant flows • Latest replies to the table “Major Categories of International Departures and Arrivals” (Table 1) are analyzed • 89 countries on arrivals • 80 countries on departures

7. Gaps and deficiencies in statistics on migrant stock

8. Countries having data on migrant stock

9. Migrant stock by age and sex or country of birth or citizenship

10. Migrant stock by duration or occupation

11. Gaps and deficiencies in flow statistics

12. Flow statistics, availability by major categories

13. Flow statistics: source • Many either did not specify source of data: • 49 countries (out of 89) no source information on arrivals • 50 countries (out of 80) no source information on departures • Or with limited information on sources • “Other” • National Statistics Office • Ministry of Interior

14. Flow statistics: scope • Unfortunately most countries do not provide any information on what the available statistics refer to • Only a few countries provide detailed definition on the categories • Many countries indicate only in general terms what was covered or not covered • Most of the countries do not provide any information

15. Gaps and Deficiencies from reviewing the existing information? • Statistics on international migrant stock • Limited availability on total size • Scarce information on duration and occupation of migrants • Statistics on international migrant flows • Available only on some categories of flows • No information on sources for much of the available statistics • Meaning and scope of the statistics are not clear

16. What can be done? • Improve the availability of statistics on international migrant stock collected from population censuses • Encourage countries to provide more meta-data information on flow statistics, such as sources and scope • Strengthen capacity in the national statistical system, especially on better coordination between national statistical office and other ministries

17. Thank you!