Migration and Mobility

The sharp increase in asylum seekers and undocumented migrants has greatly heightened public concerns in Europe and Central Asia over immigration in general. The current debate, however, often overlooks the fact that the number of forced migrants in the area is not unprecedented, that an influx of refugees tends to be temporary in nature, and that there are stark differences between refugees and other types of migrants.

Hans Timmer, World Bank Chief Economist for Europe and Central Asia, will present his organisation’s latest report “Migration and Mobility in Europe and Central Asia” stressing that migration has played vital role in  social and economic history of Europe and Central Asia. He will argue that policy reforms should not focus on migration challenges in isolation. Rather, reforms should help both migrants and non-migrants cope with increased and unavoidable flexibility in labor markets.

Successful reforms will likely improve integration of migrants in host countries. Programs in origin countries could improve the mixed effects on family members left behind, who benefit from increased resources but suffer from the prolonged absence of parents, spouses, and adult children.

This event is co-organised with the World Bank under the umbrella of the MEDAM project.