Migration Policy, Net Migration Rates, & The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of ASEAN Member States (2012 – 2022)

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Over the past 10 years, the ASEAN region has experienced robust economic growth, driven by several factors including increasing foreign investment, growing domestic consumption, and favorable demographics. Statistics show that migration of workers make up a significant portion of the labor force in the ASEAN region. Asia has a long history of international migration, but in recent years it has grown in scope, diversity, and significance. Several factors have contributed to ASEAN's economic development, including government initiatives to improve the business environment, investment in infrastructure, and efforts to promote trade and regional economic integration. Migration-development discourse and existing studies recognize the potential role of migrants in boosting economic situations. The average annual growth rate of ASEAN's GDP was around 5% between 2011 and 2019, with some countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines growing at a much faster pace. Despite comprising only about 1.5% of the global economy, there is no denying that the contribution of countries like Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand is still highly significant in the context of East Asia. The objective of this study is to describe the intricate relationship between migration and domestic development. This paper took notes on the changes in ASEAN nations' immigration policies over the past ten years and observed how these have affected the patterns of net migration and economic performance. Understanding the linkages between migration and economic performance becomes crucial for understanding how sustainable development, social harmony, and long-term prosperity is affected by human movement.