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DOI: http:// dx.doi.org/10.21088/IJOPS.2454.9371.7121!

Abstract

This paper presents migration trends, issues and challenges and policies in South Asia based on an analysis of recent trends. It first provides a broad sketch of migration profiles in major South Asian countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, There are some distinctive characteristics of migration from these countries: high concentration of flows to the Gulf and Middle East countries; largely temporary migration flows; predominance of semi-skilled and low-skilled workers in flows; informal and irregular status of part of the migration flows; and prevalence of trafficking in human beings and smuggling of persons. The paper next goes on to discuss the major challenges faced by tire countries in terms of governance of migration, protection of migrant workers and maximizing development benefits of migration. The governance challenges relate to high, migration costs, rampant recruitment malpractices, inadequate institutional and regulatory framework for administration of labour migration, lack of transparent policies and limited cooperation between origin and destination countries. The paper points out the important role of international instruments and good practices for improving current migration policies. The conclusions identify the crucial role of India as the major emigration-immigration- transit country in the subregion for setting a good practice example in developing comprehensive and transparent migration policies based on international norms. The author also highlights the scope for a subregional approach to migration policy in South Asia through the SAARC framework although progress up to now has been quite limited. The paper concludes by making a case for transparent policies with full respect for rights and equal treatment of both national and foreign workers and with due consideration to gender specific concerns, and moving towards an inclusive and transparent migration policy which ensures equal protection for both national and foreign workers in line with international norms. Keywords: Asia; Migration; Issues; Labour; Cross-Border.

Corresponding Author : Kandi Kamala, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Government Degree College for Women (Autonomous), Begumpet, (Affiliation) of Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500016, India.