Unlocking the potential of migration for inclusive development: a focus on mining and labor migration

The interests of governments and mining companies are pitted against each other. Labour migration restrictions prevent mining companies fromaccessing the right skills needed for their operations. With persistent skill shortages, the mining sector labour productivity declines at the same time as they fuel wage inflation throughout the economy. A broader policy approach on labour market development could relax restrictions for mining companies to access the skills they need at the same time it could go a long way in meeting governments' long-term priorities. The case was put forward at the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD; http://www.gfmd.org/eng). The GFMD gathers approximately 150 governments from developed, developing and newly industrialized nations to deliberate, exchange ideas and identify how collaboration between states can contribute to social and economic development in countries of origin and destinations and not least for migrants themselves.