1. Availability of Statistics on International Migration
Haoyi Chen
United Nations Statistics Division

2. The need for better statistics on international migration
A need for practical, evidence-based measures to enhance the benefits of migration and minimize its negative effects.
Summary of the High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development

3. Objective
Use data collected for the Demographic Yearbook to illustrate how basic data needs can potentially be met.
Recommendations

4. Demographic Yearbook data collection on international migration statistics
Statistics on international migrant stock (Population Census Questionnaire):
Total size
Country of birth/citizenship
Age
Sex
Duration in the country
Occupation
Statistics on international migrant flows (Questionnaire on International Migration and Travel Statistics)
Total size of inflows and outflows
Different types of inflows and outflows
Source of data

5. Data and Limitations (1) Migrant Stock
Country replies for the 2000 round censuses are analyzed
Data are not yet available for some censuses conducted in 2003 or 2004
Data might be available in countries but not to the United Nations
Not all countries collect information on international migration in census

6. Data and Limitations (2) Migrant flows
Latest replies to the table “Major Categories of International Departures and Arrivals” (Table 1) are analyzed
89 countries on arrivals
80 countries on departures

7. Gaps and deficiencies in statistics on migrant stock

8. Countries having data on migrant stock

9. Migrant stock by age and sex or country of birth or citizenship

10. Migrant stock by duration or occupation

11. Gaps and deficiencies in flow statistics

12. Flow statistics, availability by major categories
Migrants
Tourists
Education
Business
Refugees
Long-term
Short-term
Arrivals (89)
Data 56 21 54 15 26 % 63 24 61 17 29
Departures (80) 51 36 6 13 7 64 45 8 16 9

13. Flow statistics: source
Many either did not specify source of data:
49 countries (out of 89) no source information on arrivals
50 countries (out of 80) no source information on departures
Or with limited information on sources
“Other”
National Statistics Office
Ministry of Interior

14. Flow statistics: scope
Unfortunately most countries do not provide any information on what the available statistics refer to
Only a few countries provide detailed definition on the categories
Many countries indicate only in general terms what was covered or not covered
Most of the countries do not provide any information

15. Gaps and Deficiencies from reviewing the existing information?
Statistics on international migrant stock
Limited availability on total size
Scarce information on duration and occupation of migrants
Statistics on international migrant flows
Available only on some categories of flows
No information on sources for much of the available statistics
Meaning and scope of the statistics are not clear

16. What can be done?
Improve the availability of statistics on international migrant stock collected from population censuses
Encourage countries to provide more meta-data information on flow statistics, such as sources and scope
Strengthen capacity in the national statistical system, especially on better coordination between national statistical office and other ministries

17. Thank you!