The paper is part of a larger joint program that aims to address these issues by analyzing data about the diaspora and proposing policy initiatives. The joint program was implemented by IOM, the Republic of Serbia, the Spanish MDG Achievement Fund for Youth, Employment and Migration, the International Labor Organization (ILO), The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and The United Nationals Development Program (UNDP) under the title of Youth Employment and Migration (YEM) Joint Program (JP).

This publication was commissioned by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and conducted by the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD) between February and May 2014 among Basotho health-care professionals working and living in the United Kingdom. The purpose of the survey was to map out the demographic and social characteristics of these health professionals, their migratory trajectories as well as their potential for contributing to the development of the health sector in Lesotho.

The United States of America is widely known as one of the major destinations for Nigerian migrants. Migration of Nigerians to this country has been increasing over time, and trends show that this is still continuing. The situation has created a huge opportunity to harness and maximize enormous potential resources of this group. 

This publication is the English-translated version of the study titled “Диаспора – партнер по развитию Таджикистана” published in 2014. The study, funded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Development Fund under the project “Ey Vatan Mesozamat!” (Engaging Tajik Diaspora in Tajikistan Development), assesses potential contributions of the Tajik diaspora in the Russian Federation for the development of the home country. The research was conducted in summer 2014 and identifies attitudes of diaspora members, their life plans and migration strategies.

The purpose of this needs assessment is to identify skills and competency gaps in the health sector and provide government with recommendations on how the gaps can be addressed. The information gathered will assist the government to establish a matching system to mobilize diaspora for national development through a pilot scheme to encourage temporary or permanent return of highly skilled diaspora members particularly in the health sector.

The survey is designed to elicit more information about Nigerians living abroad, including their aspirations in the context of contributing to national development and willingness to invest in Nigeria. The results of the exercise will be used to inform the development of Diaspora-friendly policies and legislation that will aim to make it easier for members of the Nigerian Diasporas to play a meaningful role in the national development processes.

Between September 2012 and October 2013, the IOM commissioned three separate mapping studies of Sierra Leonean diaspora health professionals in United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, and Germany, respectively. The United Kingdom and the United States are the two most prominent destination choices for Sub-Saharan African health professionals, and moreover share the largest pools of Sierra Leonean health-care professionals in diaspora. In Canada and Germany there was a considerably smaller pool to draw from.

The report was prepared by Lulessa Abadura, Brigitte Fahrenhorst and Frank Zelazny from EcoDevelopment ‐ Society for International Development Research and Planning Ltd.

This summary report of an expert meeting between IOM and the OECD Development Centre, organized in April 2014, aims to promote greater dialogue with and raise awareness among key researchers. While the report is not exhaustive, it can serve as a useful point of departure for identifying and addressing research gaps related to the challenges and opportunities presented by the migration of highly skilled women. 

Although no official data exists on the level of diaspora investments in Kosovo it is considered that their engagement is low given their potential and willingness to invest and save. This research aims to identify concrete strategies for facilitating investment by collecting primary data through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with existing and potential diaspora investors and relevant stakeholders. Initially the report discusses the business environment and reforms undertaken by Kosovo government to induce investments.