Development Research Centre for Research on Migration, Globalisation and Poverty

Lead Institute

In the past, migration has generally been seen as reflecting the failure of development, or worse, as contributing to a vicious circle in which poverty is reinforced. However, there is now growing recognition that migration, whether internal or international, can also represent an important route out of poverty. Evidence suggests that migration can have significant positive impacts on livelihood and well-being, though it also carries costs and risks that may be borne disproportionately by the poor, and may increase inequality.

The critical challenge that remains is to understand under what conditions the positive impacts of migration on poverty can be enhanced, or the risks and costs of migration to the poor reduced. This understanding can be used to underpin new policy approaches that maximise the benefits of migration for the poor, whilst minimising the costs.

Together with partners from South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe, the Centre is undertaking a programme of research, capacity-building, training and promotion of dialogue to provide the strong evidential and conceptual base needed for such new policy approaches. This knowledge base will also be shared directly with poor migrants, contributing both directly and indirectly to the elimination of poverty.