During the past years recognition of the linkages between migration and development is increasing. More insight has become available how migration affects development and vice versa. That this relationship is not negative, is among others shown by the positive role migrants play in both their country of residence and in their country of origin. Their participation contributes to technological development, economic activities and cultural enrichment. Many migrants remain strongly connected to their country of origin.

Over the past years, migration research and policymaking have focused much attention on South-North flows and on certain aspects of the migration and development nexus, such as remittances and ‘brain drain’. Cultural remittances have received little attention in policymaking. Nevertheless, culture is an important channel in the relation between migrants and their home communities and can be perceived as a potential contribution of diasporas to their countries and communities of origin.

Over the past years, migration research and policymaking have focused much attention on South-North flows and on certain aspects of the migration and development nexus, such as remittances and ‘brain drain’. Cultural remittances have received little attention in policymaking. Nevertheless, culture is an important channel in the relation between migrants and their home communities and can be perceived as a potential contribution of diasporas to their countries and communities of origin.

The document  serves to offer useful information on the Guinea Bissau diaspora communities in Portugal and France to support the local development. It is a reduced version of the  Assessment of the Development Potential of the Guinea-Bissau Diaspora in Portugal  and in France project.

Many African countries experience a significant loss of skilled professionals who migrate to Europe, North America and other high income countries. Such shortages significantly hamper the realization of health and development goals, and are particularly felt in the medical education and specialized care sectors, due in part to the outmigration of the most skilled and qualified. 

IOM started the “Return of Qualified Afghans” (RQA) programme in December 2001. The RQA programme focused on the return of qualified Afghan nationals scattered worldwide, who are motivated to contribute their skills for the benefit of the reconstruction process on short or long term basis.

The objectives of this study were (mostly): a) To examine in detail the extent of diaspora contributions to relief and development, the types of contributions, and their impact on social protection and development in different sectors. b) To identify the factors that influence the ability of the diaspora to provide effective support, both in countries of residence as well as the areas of origin.

This study is intended to create a basis for the development of a framework for the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) to engage the Zambian diaspora in national development efforts.  The study is primarily concerned with the views and aspirations of Zambians in the diaspora and their potential for participation in national development.

Governments at both ends of the migration cycle increasingly recognize the value of diasporas’ spontaneous engagements with their countries of origin and are seeking ways to cooperate with them. Beyond the remittances they send back to their homelands (more than USD 400 billion in 2010), diasporas are major direct investors in critical and emerging industries, known patrons of nascent tourism initiatives, and generous philanthropists.

Governments at both ends of the migration cycle increasingly recognize the value of diasporas’ spontaneous engagements with their countries of origin and are seeking ways to cooperate with them. Beyond the remittances they send back to their homelands (more than USD 400 billion in 2010), diasporas are major direct investors in critical and emerging industries, known patrons of nascent tourism initiatives, and generous philanthropists.