Migration

In 2005 there were 191 million international migrants, of whom 90 percent were migrant workers and their families. Of these, 25 million were in Asia. Immigration is a contentious issue, particularly in Western democracies, but also in Asia, and managing the effects of migration will remain a major challenge for most nations over the next decade. Currently, the Guest Worker Program is seen by some as the best future solution for filling labour market gaps. However, the contracts offered to foreign workers are typically short-term, and include a range of restrictions. These stipulations often include that the majority of workers are not permitted to seek employment elsewhere, cannot bring their families with them and cannot settle in the host country, meaning they must return to their home state on completing their contract. Still, in some countries highly-skilled workers are being increasingly recruited on the promise that they will be able to qualify for citizenship status.