Working Paper C2. Internal migration and the development nexus: the case of Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper was prepared for and presented at the Regional Conference on Migration, Development and Pro-Poor Policy Choices in Asia. It summarises what is known about migration and the policy context in the country to enable DFID to understand and work toward maximising the benefits of migration for poverty reduction and to promote the rights of poor migrants. The paper aims to review existing policies related to migration in order to examine the relationship between migration and development. In doing so, it examines: The patterns and trends of internal migration in Bangladesh; Profile of migrants; Labour markets - conditions and entitlements; Key problems faced by migrants; Consequences of migration including remittances, migration and poverty and inequality; Government policies and instruments; Policies and programmes of international agencies and donors; Welfare entitlements; Main pro-poor organisations working to support migrants; and Key policy issues, gaps, drivers of change and recommendations.

Rural to urban migration is the most prevalent form of migration in Bangladesh. A recent study found that nearly two-thirds of emigration from among 62 randomly sampled villages was to urban areas. The figure for rural-rural migration was 10% and was 24% for overseas migration.

Citation

Country Background Paper, WP-C2, Sussex, UK, DRC on Migration, Globalisation and Poverty, 21 pp.

Working Paper C2. Internal migration and the development nexus: the case of Bangladesh

Published 1 January 2003