ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL2.GPID/2023/POLICY BRIEF.3
Country: Arab region
Publication Type: Policy briefs
Cluster: Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development
Focus Area: Inclusive development, Population dynamics & migration
Initiatives: International migration
SDGs: Goal 5: Gender Equality
Keywords: Migration, Arab countries, Refugees, Migrant workers, Displaced persons, Regional cooperation, Remittances, Statistical data
Addressing migration issues in the Arab region: Briefing for United Nations Resident Coordinators
July 2023
The present policy brief, prepared under the workplan of the Issue Based Coalition on Migration in the Arab Region, provides key facts and figures on migration in the Arab region. It highlights key migration priorities at the local, national and regional levels as identified by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) member States and stakeholders through the Regional Review Conference of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, held in February 2021.
The Arab region is host to 15 per cent of the total global migrant and refugee population. In 2020, it hosted 41.4 million international migrants and refugees. Many countries in the region rely on migrant workers to sustain national economies. The Gulf Cooperation Council subregion continues to be a major labour migration hub, yet millions migrate from Arab countries in search of better opportunities and security. If properly managed, migration can foster the development of countries through strengthened regional cooperation; increased awareness of the risks and dangers of irregular migration at the national level; and rights-based and gender-responsive approaches so that migrants can make informed decisions.
Related content
Inclusive development
, Population dynamics & migration
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The present policy brief, prepared under the workplan of the Issue Based Coalition on Migration in the Arab Region, provides key facts and figures on migration in the Arab region. It highlights key migration priorities at the local, national and regional levels as identified by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) member States and stakeholders through the Regional Review Conference of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, held in February 2021.
The Arab region is host to 15 per cent of the total global migrant and refugee population. In 2020, it hosted 41.4 million international migrants and refugees. Many countries in the region rely on migrant workers to sustain national economies. The Gulf Cooperation Council subregion continues to be a major labour migration hub, yet millions migrate from Arab countries in search of better opportunities and security. If properly managed, migration can foster the development of countries through strengthened regional cooperation; increased awareness of the risks and dangers of irregular migration at the national level; and rights-based and gender-responsive approaches so that migrants can make informed decisions.
