The Demographic Underpinnings of Current and Future International Migration in Asia

There has been an unprecedented increase in international population movement in the Asia-Pacific region in the last decade. The causes of this are complex and associated with the rapid economic and social change in the region, the forces of globalization, improvements in transport and communication and proliferation of migration networks. However, the present paper suggests that one element which needs to be considered in explaining contemporary international migration but especially in anticipating trends over the next decade are the differential patterns of growth of population within the region. While population growth overall has slowed, the work force age groups will continue to grow rapidly in Asia over the next decade or so and the contrasts between individual countries will increase. The proportion in the peak mobility age groups will thus continue to grow rapidly in particular countries and will be one of the elements contributing to increased levels of international migration within and out of the region.