Response to Korea’s Demographic Changes: The Role of Migration Policy Dr. Charles Harns Director MRTC July 2012

Contents Migration Policy Can Affect Population Demographics 2. Linking Korea’s Migration Policies with Population Goals: Four Strategies 3. Main Conclusions

Migration Policy Can Affect Population Demographics Percent of increase in labor force in the last decade attributable to migrants Whether they do, depends on the policies and how they are implemented E U 70% Migration policies and their outcomes can be intended or managed, or de facto and largely unplanned

Migration Policy Can Affect Population Demographics Population in 2055 52.7 million (+16.4%) If migration continues Spain 2011 population 47.2 million persons Population in 2055 36 million (-14.8%) If migration stops

Korea’s Migration Profile Permanent Immigration Ethnic Diversity Overall Immigration Very Low

Linking Korea’s Migration Policies with Population Goals Korea’s current migration policies are not directly linked with strategies to address the core population challenges As a result, Korea’s migration policies are currently having little if any impact on basic population problems Four strategy directions should be considered to better link Korea’s migration policies with population goals

Linking Korea’s Migration Policies with Population Goals Strategy 1 Linking selective migration policies for labor with population goals by providing selective bridges from temporary to permanent status for labor migrants of various skill levels whose family demographic profiles, as well as their workforce profiles, are advantageous for Korea

Linking Korea’s Migration Policies with Population Goals Strategy 2 Further linking labor migration and foreign student policies and mechanisms with long-term population recovery goals

Linking Korea’s Migration Policies with Population Goals Strategy 3 Gearing the nationality system toward attracting and securing the permanent immigration groups Korea needs

Linking Korea’s Migration Policies with Population Goals Strategy 4 Continuing and strengthening integration programmes to create an enabling and welcoming environment for all types of foreigners

Linking Korea’s Migration Policies with Population Goals Conclusion A Korean permanent resident and citizen population characterized by more balanced demographic numbers and characteristics, sustained in part through significant contributions from increased permanent immigration, and augmented by temporary labor migrants where needed, holds the best prospects for sustained and inclusive growth for Korea

IOM MRTC The IOM MRTC was established in 2009, at the request of Government of Korea, to help Korea address major migration policy issues. Government of Korea funds the MRTC, and Korea is a Member State of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The MRTC welcomes the opportunity to assist all arms of Government of Korea involved in migration policy.

Thank You! The Migration Research and Training Centre of the International Organization for Migration Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do Thank You! 29