New inform on Migration Diplomacy: An analysis of policy approaches and instruments
The European Migration Network (EMN), in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), has published a new inform focusing on the role of migration diplomacy and its importance in fostering international cooperation. Titled Migration Diplomacy: An Analysis of Policy Approaches and Instruments, the inform provides an overview of diplomatic practices, tools, and challenges faced by EMN Member and Observer Countries. It also includes examples of good practices from OECD countries.
Migration diplomacy has become a key instrument in international migration policy. Seventeen EMN countries actively employ migration diplomacy to address migration issues. On the other hand, six countries reported limited engagement in this area, primarily due to their strategic involvement in European Union initiatives and a lack of national resources. For these countries, cooperation at the EU level is a more practical approach than pursuing independent bilateral agreements.
The inform examines various tools used in migration diplomacy. The most common include bilateral agreements, memoranda of understanding (MoUs), declarations of intent, and the appointment of special envoys or diplomatic representatives. These tools enable states to collaborate on specific issues, such as readmission or visa facilitation, as well as broader migration partnerships.
Despite its potential to enhance international cooperation, migration diplomacy presents numerous challenges for EMN Member and Observer Countries. Key obstacles include the need for effective coordination between different levels of government, limited resources, and the requirement to create sustainable frameworks that reflect the capacities of all parties involved. According to the inform, successful migration diplomacy depends on several factors, including political stability in partner countries, robust legal frameworks, and strong institutional coordination.
The inform also distinguishes between two main approaches to migration diplomacy. So-called “coercive diplomacy” relies on sanctions or negative conditions, while “cooperative diplomacy” is based on rewards and positive incentives. While the outcomes of these approaches vary depending on the political and social context of the countries involved, both play a significant role in shaping migration policies in countries of origin, transit, and destination.
The inform includes examples of migration diplomacy tools from non-EU countries. These include the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration (2022), which promotes migration cooperation among countries in the Americas; Australia’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program, providing employment opportunities for Pacific islanders; and Japan’s Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), which allow nurses and caregivers from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam to work in Japan with the possibility of obtaining permanent residency.
This new inform provides a comprehensive perspective on migration diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of cooperative approaches and offering concrete recommendations for more effective international migration management. By highlighting both successes and areas for improvement, it contributes to the ongoing discussion on the future of migration governance.
The full text of the inform can be found here .