The latest inform from the European Migration Network (EMN), in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), provides an in-depth analysis of migration diplomacy as a critical tool for managing international migration. Titled Migration Diplomacy: An Analysis of Policy Approaches and Instruments, this report investigates the diverse methods and instruments countries use to foster collaboration on migration issues.
The inform highlights how EMN Member and Observer Countries engage in migration diplomacy through various instruments, including bilateral agreements, memoranda of understanding, and special envoys. Bilateral agreements are especially prominent, covering topics from visa facilitation and readmission to more comprehensive partnerships. For some countries, however, migration diplomacy is less prominent, with a focus instead on EU-level initiatives due to national resource constraints.
The EMN inform also examines migration diplomacy approaches in non-EU OECD countries, showcasing practices like the Los Angeles Declaration in the Americas, Australia’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, and Japan’s economic partnership agreements. While these frameworks support migration management and strengthen international relationships, EMN Member Countries also report notable challenges, such as the need for coordinated negotiations, resource alignment, and sustainable outcomes.
With its emphasis on good practices and challenges, this inform provides insights for policymakers and stakeholders interested in the external dimensions of migration governance. Through its exploration of cooperative and ‘coercive’ migration diplomacy approaches, the inform contributes valuable knowledge to help inform effective migration policies worldwide.
For further information, please read the Inform attached below.