Migrants: Partners in International Cooperation

by OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Hartmut Schneider, Marie-Hélène Libercier

Are migrants more than a politically sensitive issue in an increasing number of countries (mere escapees from underdevelopment) or have they a positive contribution to make to the development of their countries of origin? This book examines the question on the basis of a series of specially commissioned case studies. The authors conclude that not only do migrants play a part in the developmental dynamics of their home countries, but that they would take an even larger role, were policies to be adopted in sending and receiving countries which would facilitate this process. The study argues for the recognition and encouragement of this "partnership for development" and points out ways of putting it into practice.

71 pages, Paperback

First published July 11, 1996

About the author

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 35 member countries, founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade. It is a forum of countries describing themselves as committed to democracy and the market economy, providing a platform to compare policy experiences, seeking answers to common problems, identify good practices and coordinate domestic and international policies of its members.

In 1948, the OECD originated as the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC), led by Robert Marjolin of France, to help administer the Marshall Plan (which was rejected by the Soviet Union and its satellite states). This would be achieved by allocating American financial aid and implementing economic programs for the reconstruction of Europe after World War II. (Similar reconstruction aid was sent to the war-torn Republic of China and post-war Korea, but not under the name "Marshall Plan".)

In 1961, the OEEC was reformed into the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development by the Convention on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and membership was extended to non-European states. Most OECD members are high-income economies with a very high Human Development Index (HDI) and are regarded as developed countries.

The OECD's headquarters are at the Château de la Muette in Paris, France. The OECD is funded by contributions from member states at varying rates.