Migration in North African development policies and strategies : a comparative analysis

Abstract

In North Africa, migration is not sufficiently integrated in national and regional development strategies or plans. When mentioned, it is often a partial, fragmented reference to specific issues and fields of interest, such as remittances, labor and competency transfers, illegal migration and human trafficking. According to the Global Migration Group, the most appropriate way to ensure a systematic approach to maximize the advantages of migration for development is to mainstream migratory issues into country level planning frameworks, such as the strategic framework for poverty reduction (SFPR). This process implies the need to assess migration impacts on all actions planned in the development and poverty reduction strategies. Migration and the consequences thereof on development must be taken into consideration in legislations, policies and programs at all levels (local, regional and national). It is also necessary to integrate migration concerns in all other phases of planning for development, including formulation, implementation, monitoring and assessment.