Well-governed migration pivotal to ensure positive development outcomes for post-pandemic recovery, say participants at OSCE-hosted discussion

The disruption of labour mobility during the COVID-19 crisis and possible ways forward to address the post-pandemic recovery were the focus of an OSCE webinar held on 26 June 2020.

“The protracted lockdown, necessary to save lives, has also had an impact on the migration process, disrupted human connectivity and prospects for development. “” said Vuk Žugić the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. “Yet, the crisis is offering the opportunity to harness OSCE’s strengths: multilateral dialogue, trans-national co-operation, and core values”. The international commitments, including the OSCE and UN ones provide a long-term vision that well-governed migration is needed to ensure positive development outcomes.”

Experts, practitioners and academicians helped to shed light on the situation of migrant workers, including key lessons learned that can support an inclusive and equitable post-pandemic recovery.

“Migrant workers effectively complement national labour force. Current demographic trends and persistent labour shortages call for sectorial employment policies addressing foreign and national workers. Contrary to popular wisdom, migrant workers create jobs for all,” said Markus Pilgrim, Regional Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

“Exclusion is costly. But inclusion pays off,” was a key message from Dyane Epstein, a.i. Regional Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The discussion highlighted the need for collecting accurate data and information – both quantitative and qualitative – so to identify suitable responses. Research carried out by the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), provided relevant grounds to discuss coping strategies of migrants during the pandemic and key areas for action to prevent negative repercussions and boost resilience.

A glimpse in the complex range of legal challenges the pandemic brought about in the European Union was complemented by positive experiences and creative solutions triggered by the lockdown, particularly in dealing with time-consuming bureaucracy.  

A concise summary of the full series of webinars will soon be available on www.osce.org/the Office of OSCE Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities, together with “Summary and Recommendations” reflecting the discussion.