Speech
Prague 28 April 2009
Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy

Speech by Tobias Billström at the Ministrial Conference "Building Migration Partnerships" in Prague

Check against delivery

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honored to have been given this opportunity to introduce the timely and important issue of migration and development. This issue is duly addressed in the Joint Declaration and forms a central part of the comprehensive and balanced approach to the cooperation between our countries on issues related to migration management that we have outlined.

However, let me begin by taking this opportunity to thank our Czech host for the wonderful evening yesterday. It is indeed a pleasure to spend time in such a fantastic city like Prague. I would once again like to reiterate my commitment to this process and I would like to underline that we are looking forward to bringing the work forward during our Presidency in the EU.

Even as we face a global economic crisis, global migration should not be viewed as part of the problem, but rather as part of the solution. The significant reversal of international migration and remittance flows that we are currently witnessing will undoubtedly have serious consequences for both countries of origin and destination. However, even in times of economic crises, it is crucial that we continue to cooperate on migration and development issues. I fully agree with the statement of the honorable Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, at the second meeting of the Global Forum on Migration and Development in Manila this past October, when he said that "...migration can and should be a tool to help lift us out of this economic crisis... Human mobility makes our economies more efficient, even when they are not growing, and by making sure that the rights skills can reach the right places at the right time."

Ladies and gentlemen,
The Joint Declaration emphasises the importance of a continuous and enhanced dialogue on ways to maximize the development benefits of migration and reduce its negative impacts. It acknowledges the contribution of migrants to the development of their countries of origin by sending remittances, making business investments and transferring skills and knowledge gained abroad.

The Joint Declaration states that we shall make further efforts to promote migration and mobility as a positive force for development by ensuring coherence between development and migration policies. Indeed, greater policy coherence both at the national and international level is key to enhancing the positive development effects of migration. Policy coherence involves considering the real or potential impacts of a range of other policy areas - including migration - on development and on migratory flows, and promoting synergies between these policy areas. This may include supporting Diaspora groups' development efforts in their countries of origin or increasing the development effects of remittances, for example. As stated in the Joint Declaration, we also need to take into account the objectives of development policy when we formulate our migration policies.

When we address issues related to migration and its development effects, we must be aware of the fact that migration patterns have changed over the past decades. There is evidence that shows that the old paradigm of migration for permanent settlement is increasingly giving way to more temporary and circular migration. The development potential of circular migration can be substantial, given the right conditions. As global mobility increases as a natural consequence of globalization and economic interdependence, the creation of flexible legislation for migrants resident permits is important, in order to facilitate temporary return to countries of origin. In this light, I am pleased to note that the Joint Declaration states that we shall explore ways to foster circular migration. We also agree to increase the benefits for countries origin from the skills and experience of returning migrants, who can truly be "agents of development".

However, members of Diaspora groups do not necessarily have to return to their country of origin in order to contribute to its development. Many migrants have initiated projects in their country of destination that are designed to foster development in their country of origin. Governments have an important role in supporting these initiatives. In the Joint Declaration, we vow to strengthen the dialogue with migrant communities in destination countries on the promotion of good policies on migration, as well as encourage the involvement of diasporas in development by promoting the transfer of knowledge and skills to their countries of origin.

Ladies and gentlemen,
The development potential of migration is truly great - but it is to a large extent dependent on the existence of an environment that enables migrants to invest in development; for themselves, their families and their communities. The Declaration states that we shall encourage financial and political support to migrants investing remittances in their countries of origin, naturally with respect to the private nature of these substantial flows. Furthermore, in order to facilitate safe, unrestricted and inexpensive transfer of remittances, the Declaration states that we shall foster the use of new technologies.

It is important that we promote policies that ensure that migration is a choice and not a necessity. There are several ways that we may contribute to achieving this ultimate goal, several of which are outlined in the Joint Declaration. For example, the Declaration stipulates that we shall promote policies which aim at creating job opportunities in countries of origin. In addition, it states that we shall explore ways to strengthen the financial and banking sectors in countries of origin in order to encourage migrants investments and to promote the link between remittances and micro-finance.

As we all know, migration has immediate links to other policy areas and challenges of mutual concern such as climate change, promoting democracy and the respect for human rights, employment, trade and economic growth. These closely inter-linked policy areas are, in turn, crucial in our joint efforts towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. In this spirit, the Declaration states that we shall promote policies that foster labour rights, social welfare and social dialogue.

To summarize, the Joint Declaration provides a comprehensive and ambitious approach to our cooperation on the various aspects of migration management. The nexus between migration and development forms a central part of this balanced approach. Through our cooperation, the goal must remain to foster the positive effects of migration on development for the benefit of all: countries of destination, countries of origin, and the migrants themselves.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Let me conclude by saying a few words in view of the incoming Swedish presidency of the EU during the second half of 2009. We will continue to prioritize the issue of migration and development. We welcome the Joint Declaration and, as I underlined in the beginning, I look forward to working closely with all of you to further its implementation. Only through genuine dialogue, cooperation and partnership will we be able to build a solid foundation to harness the positive effects that migration can have on development.

Thank you. I give the word back to my friend Ivan (Langer).