How Unpopular Policies are Made: Examples from South Africa, Singapore and Bangladesh

Abstract

In this article we contribute to the emerging knowledge on migration policy‐making in two ways. Firstly, we address the relative lack of research on the gendered nature of migration policy‐making. Secondly we contribute to understanding migration policymaking in postcolonial contexts. Based on case studies from Bangladesh, South Africa, and Singapore, we trace the drivers of policy change in these contexts and how the gendered vulnerability of the intended beneficiaries impacted the policy process. We found that there were four main drivers of migration policy‐making in each of the countries. They were: the role‐players in the policy change process, the debates that shaped the policy change, the research involved, and the political context in which the policy change took place. While our research drew on existing policy frameworks, it also showed that policy development is shaped by complex socio‐political conditions.

Migration Governance and Policy in the Global South: Introduction and Overview

“…And, the sheer volume of migration in Southern countries calls for more research attention, with recent analyses suggesting, for instance, that South‐South migration slightly exceeded South‐North migration in 2015 (IOM, ). (For a critique of such classifications, see Ingleby et al, ) as Palmary et al () argue in this collection, frameworks and findings from this latter literature may not carry very well outside Western Europe and North America (see also Asis et al, ; Piper, ).…”

“…A starting point for Palmary et al ()’s analysis is that existing frameworks for consideration of migration policymaking are developed largely with reference to European and North American contexts and thus should be reconsidered in the light of evidence from post‐colonial cases. As they note, contextual factors that influence policy change – political and legislative arrangements, as well as social norms and public expectations – may differ dramatically across such diverse contexts.…”

“…In particular, as echoed in many of the studies in this special section, policies to support migrants are often "unpopular" because they may be linked to public concerns about financial burdens and fairness in the distribution of public resources, as well as security risks. Through the three case studies, Palmary et al (2019) consider and compare four broad factors shaping the process of policy change: role players, key debates, the role of research, and the political context. Several key points emerge from this analysis that might help advocates and policymakers to influence policy change more effectively.…”

“…In contrast to Palmary et al (2019)'s qualitative comparative analysis across cases in different countries, Chakraborty and Garg (2019) offer focused consideration of patterns, trends, and drivers of internal migration across Indian states. Inter-state migration is an issue of considerable policy significance in India.…”

“…The importance of paying better attention to migration governance and policy at the national level in Southern countries also resonates with global discussions. As Sachs (2016), among others, has argued, "the current international regime on migration urgently needs reform" (see also Parviainen andTarp, 2016, Betts, 2012). The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM), an intergovernmentally negotiated agreement signed in December 2018, is a key international effort to meet such calls.…”