Migration can continue to be a transformative benefit for Australia if it can look past the myths to develop policy that will pay off.

Migration is a defining issue of the 21st century, shaping economies, societies and political landscapes worldwide.

Most people think migration policy means controlling who enters a country. But that’s a recent focus and only in a few countries. For most countries, migration policy means managing emigration, not immigration.

Even in Australia — famous for strict immigration controls — migration policy has traditionally been more about recruiting immigrants for economic growth and defence, rather than keeping people out.

Australia is a destination country for migration where it is a crucial part of economic growth and demographic stability. Good migration policy can capitalise on potential benefits, while dealing with the pressures it creates is critical.

More than 50% of people in Australia were either born abroad or have at least one overseas-born parent. Late last year, there were almost 2.8 million people on temporary visas in Australia.

Each  skilled migrant to Australia has been estimated to contribute almost $130,000 more in taxes than they consume in government benefits over their life.

Migration is a central issue in Australia in the lead-up to the federal election, but voters are still seeing public debate shaped by  myths and misinformation rather than facts.

People migrate for reasons ranging from economic opportunities and personal aspirations to forced displacement due to conflict or climate change.

Contrary to  alarmist narratives about the impact of migration, global migration levels have still been relatively stable as a share of the world’s population and most migration is legal, structured and economically beneficial.

Why good policy matters

Australia’s two main permanent visa channels are the small humanitarian program, which is capped at 20,000 visas a year, and the permanent migration program capped at 185,000 visas a year.

Both major parties have indicated  they would reduce the cap for permanent migration.

Migration is not a crisis or a cure-all – instead it is a reality that must be managed wisely.

Well-designed policies can attract skilled workers, support key industries and enhance cultural diversity while supporting social cohesion.

Migration is not without its challenges, from labour market disruptions to social tensions and risks of exploitation.

Sometimes immigration can lead to rapid change that causes toxic community backlashes.

Immigrants can become scapegoats for problems like  housing,  congestion or crime — even when the data show immigrants aren’t to blame.

Australia has seen periodic moral panics  about ethnic gangs, fears that international students are driving up house prices and even worries that immigration is leading to traffic jams in big Australian cities.

However, these challenges are not insurmountable and should be addressed through sound policies, rather than reactive restrictions or misinformation-driven debates.

Migration experts agree that governments should implement policies that are coherent, fair and effective.

There is also broad consensus among experts about what good migration policy looks like and many of the principles are reflected in the  Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

Principles of good policy

It is technically demanding to make good migration policies.

Critically, effective migration management requires well-trained professionals with access to accurate, up-to-date data and a solid understanding of policy instruments.

There is universal recognition that governments and international organisations need to invest in training officials and improving migration data collection and analysis.

Many countries have the ability to manage migration, but there are disparities in data collection and policy design.

Standardised training programs, partnerships with universities and international organisations and knowledge-sharing across borders can help bridge these gaps.

Additionally, improvements in data collection are essential.

Experts also agree that immigration policies should enhance individual freedoms, while ensuring societal cohesion and economic stability, that governments should simplify immigration regulations, address risks of brain drain in source countries and ensure fair labour migration practices.

Policies that often deliver complex, inefficient systems lead to confusion and opportunities for smugglers, traffickers and unscrupulous recruiters.

That’s why experts recommend simplified immigration controls, streamlined recognition of foreign credentials and coordinating migration and development policies.

The brain drain

Skilled migration can deplete origin countries of talent, but can be mitigated by policies that strengthen domestic education and training programs, improve working conditions and foster international co-investment in professional training.

Responsibly managed temporary labour migration can help individual migrants, as well as host and countries of origin, so expanding legal migration channels is a way to prevent exploitation and irregular migration while protecting wages and conditions.

United Nations-linked organisations encourage cross-border co-operation to provide migrants with legal protections and clear pathways for temporary employment.

Incentives for voluntary return are seen as effective in encouraging compliance with temporary migration programs.

Migrants contribute significantly to their countries of origin through remittances, business investments and knowledge transfers. Many experts believe that policies should support these contributions while respecting migrants’ autonomy.

Experts agree that governments need to recognise the vital role diaspora communities play in economic and social development.

There are widespread calls for governments to strengthen engagement with these diaspora communities and provide investment opportunities as well as incentives for diaspora-led entrepreneurship and networking.

Expanding online platforms to connect skilled expatriates with development opportunities in their home countries can further support transnational collaboration.

However, it is also recognised that promoting  government engagement with "their" diasporas needs to be balanced with a respect for international laws and norms against foreign interference and  transnational repression.

Cross-border support

International agreements on migrants’ rights often have low ratification and implementation rates, leaving many vulnerable populations without adequate protections.

Experts say governments should support international frameworks that safeguard labour standards and social security portability while improving cross-border co-operation.

Civil society organisations can also play a crucial role in ensuring that migrants receive necessary legal and social support, and regional processes are essential for co-ordinated and targeted policy development among countries linked by migration flows.

International migration forums and networks are widely viewed as beneficial for sharing best practices and developing regional migration agreements that ensure orderly and fair mobility.

Migration brings significant benefits for individuals, communities and economies, but if poorly managed it can lead to social tensions, economic disparities and human rights violations.

Experts say governments and international bodies should take a strategic approach by strengthening migration management capacity, simplifying policies, supporting migrants in sharing their successes and enhancing international co-operation.

By adopting evidence-based policies and fostering collaboration, migration can become a driver of inclusive growth and sustainable development worldwide.

The nuanced view

Migration is not simply an issue of borders and numbers – it is about people, livelihoods and opportunities.

A nuanced understanding of migration — free from misinformation and fear — is essential for crafting policies that work for migrants and their communities of origin and destination alike.

By fostering informed discussions and pragmatic solutions, Australia can continue to reap the benefits of migration while addressing its challenges responsibly.

Professor Alan Gamlen is the director of the ANU Migration Hub and a professor in the School of Regulation and Global Governance at The Australian National University. He is an expert on human migration and mobility.

Originally published under  _Creative Commons_ by  _360info,__. 3 April_