Exploring the links between enhancing regular pathways and discouraging irregular migration: a discussion paper to inform future policy deliberations

The relationship between discouraging irregular migration through enforcement and encouraging regular migration flows is not straightforward. Relevant studies have highlighted complex dynamics. While stricter controls through both “fencing” (border controls) and “gatekeeping” (visa restrictions) policies appear to slow irregular migration, they also tend to change its course, leading migrants to try their luck through alternative irregular channels. Understanding migrant decision making as well as the contexts in which potential migrants make decisions is critically important but often misunderstood or ignored in policy deliberations. This discussion paper reviews a number of policy ideas that could lead to better management of regular migration while discouraging irregular flows as well as decision making contexts: Enhanced regional mobility regimes that allow for relatively seamless mobility within a set of countries, coupled with specific rights and obligations for workers and employers; Bilateral mobility schemes between a country of origin and a country of destination that respond to specific labour market dynamics; Sponsorship schemes that may facilitate entry and integration of the migrant and her/his family at destination; Humanitarian corridors that aim at preventing vulnerable migrants (including those who have become stranded) from undertaking irregular migration, with a view of arriving in a safe third country. New ideas discussed include Temporary Migration Partnerships; Skills and Mobility Partnerships; a Human Development Visa Scheme.