Chapter 2: Using migration data and research to inform policy-making and decision-making

Summary

As highlighted in this chapter, countries are encouraged to develop a national migration data strategy based on a needs assessment before planning and implementing any migration data capacity-building activities. Doing so will enable them to collect data in a targeted way, thereby preventing loss of time, energy and resources. Migration data can inform policies generating returns for destination countries, origin countries and migrants themselves. For example, in the area of labour migration, data can be used to design policies for filling labour market shortages in destination countries, tackling loss of human capital in origin countries and preventing “de-skilling” of labour migration. Data are needed not only for policy formulation but for all stages of the policymaking process, from issue identification to policy monitoring and evaluation (IOM, 2024a). Migration data are not only needed to understand the drivers and dynamics of migration in a way that can inform policy formulation. They are also useful for operational purposes, for example, by enabling practitioners to carry out targeted operations in an efficient and effective manner. They are also useful for predictive or preventive purposes, for example, by enabling countries to prepare themselves for large numbers of forcibly displaced persons.