Briefing Paper 15. Legality, Migration and Poverty: Legal Status and Temporary Labour Migration.

Abstract

This policy briefing explores whether or not legal status affects the success of temporary labour migration as a poverty reduction strategy. It discusses what is meant by 'irregular' labour migration, considers some of the challenges involved in conducting research on this type of migration, and explores the findings of a research project carried out by the Development Research Centre on Migration, Globalisation and Poverty (Migration DRC) studying Malawians who migrated to the UK and South Africa. Many of these migrants fit into the category of irregular migrants at some point during their time abroad — and they provide a useful qualitative window into irregular migration. In conclusion, the briefing introduces several policy recommendations related to irregular labour migration.

Citation

Sussex, UK, DRC on Migration, Globalisation and Poverty, 4 pp.

Briefing Paper 15. Legality, Migration and Poverty: Legal Status and Temporary Labour Migration.

Published 1 January 2008