Challenges and Opportunities of Data Collection on International Migration

1. Challenges and Opportunities of Data Collection on International Migration Jason Schachter Policy Section Population Division UN/DESA Interregional Workshop on International Migration, Geneva, 23 September 2011

2. Background • International migration is a growing trend • In 2010, an estimated 214 million international world-wide (178 million on 2000) • Increased demand for data • 2006 High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development • Global Forum on Migration and Development • To advance understanding and cooperation on the nexus between migration and development and foster practical and action-oriented outcomes • Valid, comparable, accessible, and timely data are critical for improving policy making

3. Examples of policy driven research questions • “Size” of migrant population • Number of emigrants (people moving out of country) • Are current levels of emigration acceptable? • “Characteristics” of migrants • Who is moving in or out? (age, gender, education level, legal status, etc.) • Need to attract highly skilled immigrants/encourage return of highly educated emigrants? • “Impact” of migration on people and areas • Effect of migration on family in country of origin/on local labor market • Need for integration policies of non-nationals?

4. Defining International Migration • Change of usual residence (time component) • Geography (origin/destination) • Migrant Classifications • Duration of stay • Reason for move • Legal status • Measurement (Stocks and Flows)

5. International Migration Data Sources • Census • National Household Surveys • Population Registers • Administrative Sources • Residence/work permits • Asylum applications • Consular data • Border collection data

6. Countries asking three key questions on international migration

7. Challenges to collecting migration data • Data comparability • Between, and even within, countries • Data harmonization (using same time period, same definitions of migrant groups, same questions, etc.) • Data validity • Coverage (hard-to-find populations) • Using sources whose main purpose is not to collect migration data • Data availability (tabulation & dissemination) • Accessibility • Timeliness

8. Challenges, cont. • Resources to improve data quality • Sustainability • Getting more from limited resources • Capacity Building • Measurement of all migration-types • Emigration • Remittances • Irregular • Environmental • Repeat/return/circular migration

9. Opportunities • Harmonization of terms and definitions • Better utilization of existing data sources • Improve dissemination of data • Release more detailed tabulations • Improve documentation and methodology for production of migration statistics • Take better advantage of administrative sources • Automation of border control data • UNHCR refugee databases

10. Opportunities, cont. • Development of new data sources • Better utilization of alternative sources like household surveys, registers • Improve communication between country stakeholders and between neighbouring countries • Data sharing & exchange

11. Commission on International Migration Data for Development and Research Policy Migrants Count: Five Steps Towards Better Migration Data • Ask basic census questions (place of birth, country of citizenship, previous residence) and disseminate results • Compile and release existing administrative data sources • Centralize Labor Force Surveys • Include standardized migration survey modules on existing household surveys • Public access to Microdata

12. Thank you