Background

Maximising the positive impact of migration on development is a policy priority for the EU, as demonstrated by its dual policy framework in this area. Migration and development is one of the four priority areas of the Global Approach to Migration and Mobility (GAMM), which provides the overarching framework for the EU external migration policy. Migration is also a specific priority in the EU Agenda for Change, which outlines the EU development policy framework. The migrant’s perspective is a central feature of the GAMM, and enhancing the human rights of migrants is a priority across all EU actions on migration and development.

Communication

The purpose of this Communication is twofold. It provides the basis for a common position of the EU and its Member States (hereafter the EU) at the High-Level Dialogue, including key messages for enhanced global cooperation. Furthermore, it proposes how the EU could broaden the link between migration and development in its own policies and practices, and take steps to give systematic attention to the role migration and mobility play in the process of sustainable development.

The Communication inter alia underlines that:

• Migration and mobility must be recognised as ‘enabling factors’ for development. They should be addressed by development actors at all levels and introduced into the post-2015 development framework.
   
• The development and migration agenda should be broadened. The growing importance of migratory flows within and between developing countries should be recognised, and their positive and negative links with economic and social development should be addressed in national and regional development policies.

• All states should respect the dignity and uphold the fundamental and human rights of migrants, regardless of the migrants’ legal status.

• All states should engage in international dialogue and cooperation with relevant partners to identify shared priorities and strengthen bilateral and regional migration governance. Effective engagement of civil society in global, regional, national and local planning on migration and development must also be pursued.

• Intra-regional labour mobility, skills development programmes and skills certification and recognition schemes should be promoted, and circular migration facilitated.

More information, including next steps for broadening the development-migration nexus, in the attached document.

Please also see attached UNHCR views on the communication.