International Migration in the Caribbean
Date of Publication
1-1-2023 12:00 AM
Security Theme
Migration
Keywords
Migration trends, irregular and forced migration, "brain drain, " "brain gain", labor migration agreements, international remittances
Description
This paper provides a broad overview of the migration phenomenon in the Caribbean based on available evidence. It first describes the migration context in the region, with a focus on key migration related facts, significant trends, and current and future challenges. It then identifies and discusses examples of policies implemented in the region, including evidence on their impact track record. Migration presents both significant challenges and opportunities for the long-term socioeconomic development of the region. The paper’s main takeaways include the following. Mass emigration of working-age individuals is a significant concern for all countries in the region as skills gaps in sectors such as education, health, and information technology have emerged. Empirical evidence and theory suggest that the most effective way to address issues related to brain drain is to increase opportunities and incentives for skilled nationals to stay in the origin country. While some Caribbean countries participate in temporary migration work programs with the United States and Canada, there is scope to increase take-up and the positive impacts of such programs for migrants, origin countries, and destination countries. High remittance transfer costs remain an obstacle for migrants sending money through official channels and limit economic gains for migrants and their families. Migration policy evaluations should be conducted more systematically to enable decision makers to better promote safer and more orderly migration. Last but not least, systematic compilation and analysis of migration data are important gaps to be addressed.
International Migration in the Caribbean
This paper provides a broad overview of the migration phenomenon in the Caribbean based on available evidence. It first describes the migration context in the region, with a focus on key migration related facts, significant trends, and current and future challenges. It then identifies and discusses examples of policies implemented in the region, including evidence on their impact track record. Migration presents both significant challenges and opportunities for the long-term socioeconomic development of the region. The paper’s main takeaways include the following. Mass emigration of working-age individuals is a significant concern for all countries in the region as skills gaps in sectors such as education, health, and information technology have emerged. Empirical evidence and theory suggest that the most effective way to address issues related to brain drain is to increase opportunities and incentives for skilled nationals to stay in the origin country. While some Caribbean countries participate in temporary migration work programs with the United States and Canada, there is scope to increase take-up and the positive impacts of such programs for migrants, origin countries, and destination countries. High remittance transfer costs remain an obstacle for migrants sending money through official channels and limit economic gains for migrants and their families. Migration policy evaluations should be conducted more systematically to enable decision makers to better promote safer and more orderly migration. Last but not least, systematic compilation and analysis of migration data are important gaps to be addressed.