International migration: trends and institutional frameworks from the African perspective

Abstract

The study sheds light on African international migration trends and institutional frameworks intended to manage migration for the benefit of the countries of both origin and destination. The first section introduces the subject that has dominated discourse at national, regional and global levels and in which there is a constant search for durable solutions for all countries involved. Different types of migration discussed rationalize equally diverse institutional frameworks for migration management through globally binding initiatives as well as bilateral and multilateral arrangements. Section two of the study delves into institutional frameworks which guide international migration into and from African countries, including those guiding regional migration in the context of the African Union (AU) and different Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in the region. The third section explores demographic and socio-economic attributes of migrants in migration policies; the first set includes age and sex, while the second comprise gender, educational and economic standing of the migrants that polices often address. Section four concentrates on contemporary issues in migration policies that African RECs and individual countries grapple with in migration management for the desired development, such as remittances as an indication of migrant origin destination links; policies pertaining to circulation migration and transnationalism that are fast replacing longer-stay movements; and the consequences of the global economic crisis for migration flows. The final section consists of both conclusion and recommendations.