Dimensions and dynamics of irregular migration

Abstract

This contribution critically reviews existing data and other recent sources to provide an overview of the dimensions and dynamics of contemporary irregular migration. First it considers the utility and uses of irregular migrant statistics, considering their inherent inaccuracy, their inability to distinguish different types of irregular migrant, the way that data is collected, and the purposes to which it is put. The second section reviews the conceptual and practical challenges associated with counting irregular migrants. Conceptual challenges include: differentiating stocks from flows, addressing the variety of routes into irregularity, distinguishing migrant smuggling from human trafficking, separating asylum from aggregate statistics, and acknowledging that migrants' legal status can change quickly. Practical challenges associated with a series of direct and indirect methods for collecting statistics (including national censuses) are reviewed, and the difficulty for researchers to access official statistics highlighted. The third section presents estimates of the scale and scope of irregular migration, and data from regularisation programmes in various high‐income countries. The fourth section reviews explanations for irregular migration, distinguishing macro‐level explanations that focus on structural causes from meso‐level explanations concerned with the role of policies and intermediaries, and also notes the shortage of micro‐level explanations concerned with individual and family decision‐making. The final section considers the consequences of irregular migration, with a particular focus on security. The review suggests that while irregular migration can undermine state sovereignty, the implications of irregular migration for the ‘human security’ of those involved should not be underestimated. The conclusion considers some implications for future research. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Irregular maritime migration as a global phenomenon

“…There are, however, significant challenges in establishing reliable estimates upon which meaningful analysis and useful comparisons can be made (Koser, 2010). A summary of these challenges is included in Table 2.1, which highlights the inherent difficulties in accurately placing the quantum of irregular migration in a broader context.…”

“…Irregular maritime migration presents an undeniably visual manifestation of irregular migration and as such triggers some fundamental political and policy concerns relating to states' international protection obligations, sovereignty, border control and security, and as such demands the attention of governments (Koser & McAuliffe, 2013;Koser, 2010;Watson, 2009). The potential and actual impacts on bilateral relationships as well as regional and broader international relationships and reputations are also key considerations for governments, including as they relate to sovereignty issues.…”

“…The sensitive and profound nature of their experiences poses particular challenges. Second, the criminal aspects of irregular maritime migration have meant that aspects of counter people smuggling, transnational criminal networks and disruption are often unable to be examined fully due to the inability of accessing classified information, which is not readily available outside government (Koser, 2010). Third, the polarised nature of the public discourse surrounding irregular migration (and maritime migration in particular) makes examination of the topic in a balanced way difficult.…”

Researching illegality and labour migration

“…They tend to present 'illegality' as a problem to be solved through stronger borders (internal and external), strict enforcement of immigration and residence controls and, increasingly, cooperation between the state and civil society (Frank, 2008). It is said to be imperative because illegality is not simply a challenge to the authority of states to control their borders, but is increasingly linked to national security and organised crime (Waever et al, 1993;Alexseev, 2006;Koser, 2009). Illegality, it is argued, may also result in unfair competition in the labour market, giving an edge to employers who are prepared to break the law in 'I llegal immigration' is an inevitable feature of border controls and nation state organised citizenship.…”

“…It may more generally be perceived as depleting limited resources (such as welfare benefi ts) by those who have no right to access them (Miller, 2008). 'Illegality' is also the term that is often used by those elements of the mass media that promote and reinforce negative public attitudes to immigration, and illegal immigration in particular (Chavez, 2001;Crawley, 2005;Düvell et al, 2009;Koser, 2009).…”