Abstract of my paper in Third World Quarterly (2008), Volume 29: 7, 1247 — 1264

Globalisation, International Labour Migration and the Rights of Migrant Workers


 Third World Quarterly (2008), Volume 29: 7, 1247 — 1264

PIYASIRI WICKRAMASEKARA*

ABSTRACT

The aim of the paper is to highlight the gaps between policy and
practice in the current discourse on international migration and its links with
development. It contends that a major cause of the limited development impact
of migration is the ‘closed door policy’ of major destination countries on the
admission of low-skilled migrant workers from developing countries. The paper
addresses the weak foundations and major consequences of this policy: the
denial of labour demand, channelling a large part of flows to irregular
migration, consequent exploitation and violation of rights of migrant workers,
and accelerated brain drain from developing countries. While there is increasing
emphasis on temporary migration policies and programmes for low skilled
labour, achievements on the ground have been quite limited. The movement
towards a global migration regime which can address current pressing issues has
also not progressed beyond broad consultative forums. There is an imperative
need for fresh approaches and bold initiatives to promote international labour
mobility for the welfare of the global community.