The Changing Dynamics of ASEAN International Migration

Abstract

South-east Asia is becoming increasingly significant in global international migration. This paper summarises recent changes in patterns of immigration and emigration in ASEAN countries. These data, however, do not detect the complexity of South-east Asia’s migration system, and this is demonstrated by focusing on the ASEAN-Australia migration corridor. ASEAN migration relationships with other countries are complex, multi-directional and reciprocal, although this is not evident in traditional data. There are significant opportunities for international movement to play a role in economic development and poverty reduction in South-east Asia.