The chapters of this book consider the case for integrating migration into the future global development agenda. Three overarching arguments are made:

First, it is argued that migration is simply too important in scale to be ignored. The impacts of migration extend far beyond migrants themselves. An agenda which ignores the broad reach of migration risks not only neglecting the often unique needs and vulnerabilities of migrants and their families, but also of overlooking the vast impacts of migration on the development of cultures, societies and economies around the globe.

Second, migration can help individuals and their families to increase their incomes, develop new skills, improve their social status, build up assets and generally improve their quality of life. The development potential of migration is multifaceted. For one, a growing body of research suggests that remittances, which are often used for education, health and housing, can help to achieve the MDGs. Remittances are not the only channel through which migration affects development. Less obvious are the “intangibles” of “social remittances” that migration brings, for instance by increasing trade flows, and facilitating the transfer of skills, knowledge, values and innovation.

Third, the impact of migration on development is far reaching, affecting a growing number of countries around the world, including many countries in the global “North”. Migration from North to South (or from high-income to low- and middle-income countries) has been particularly neglected in research on the impacts of migration for development.

More information in the attached publication.