Overview of select OECD Country Migration Policies

Labour needs, foreign policy priorities, national and electoral political issues, public opinion and private lobbyist are among the factors determining migration policies regarding migration inflows or outflows. However, recently, public debates on much politicised, often controversial, migration issues are placing ever more emphasis on the security aspect. This atmosphere raises the problem of a better co-ordinated approach among European Union member countries and the (non) convergence of their nationally-based migration policies. Discussions are also being re-launched concerning bilateral agreements. These agreements should be examined for the impact they may have on dialogue between Europe and West Africa as well as in-between their States.