MINISTER BARAKAUSKAS: MIGRATION CAN PROVIDE BOOST TO THE ECONOMY
Updated 2013-10-04
On the 4th of October, Minister of the Interior Dailis Barakauskas took part at the High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development Session which was held at the United Nations in New York. As a representative of the EU member state currently presiding of the EU Council, Minister Barakauskas took active participation in the discussions and contributed to 3 of the 4 issues of the agenda.
Whilst addressing the theme of challenges for transnational cooperation in the sphere of migration, the Lithuanian Minister drew the attention of the participants to the 3 main aspects that need to be addressed, i. e.:- the insufficient dissemination of information (especially positive) about migration and dissemination thereof;
- the revision of competences of networks and organizations dealing with migration issues and adequate coordination between these organizations enabling to avoid duplication of effort;
- more effective regulation of internal processes within such networks and organizations.
Minister Barakauskas has also expressed his opinion on the issue of the effective mainstreaming of migration into economy development policies wherein he stressed the role of labour mobility and the significance of diaspora ties with its country of origin. “Migration can provide important boost to development only if it is orderly and well–managed. On the other hand, migration should not become the hostage of the economy. This statement is especially applicable regarding the cheap labour force from abroad”, - said the Minister.
Referring to the example of the Lithuanian diaspora in the world and the governmental policy regarding this issue, the Minister mentioned that around 1.3 mln Lithuanians reside abroad of which 300.000 have Lithuanian citizenship. The Minister enumerated governmental actions and measures that are aimed at strengthening ties with the nationals living abroad also emphasizing the existing community and business relations.
During the 2nd session, Barakauskas took part in the discussion on bilateral regional cooperation in managing migration processes. The Minister emphasized the role of the available European experience in these spheres and the existing intergovernmental cooperation measures and mechanisms such as GAMM (Global Approach to Migration and Mobility), the EU Immigration Portal and Eastern Partnership program. The latter is one of the priorities of the Lithuanian Presidency of the EU Council.
