This study forms part of the research project ‘International migration and national
development: viewpoint and policy initiatives in the countries of origin’. It was
carried out under the auspices of the research group ‘Migration and Development
(M@D)’ (Radboud University) and financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign
Affaires and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. The research project –
which started in May 2006 – focuses on achieving a better understanding of the
implications of international migration for national development from the perspective
of the sending countries (with an emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa). The aim is to
explore (1) current perceptions -as seen from the perspective of the countries of
origin- of the links between international migration and national development, and (2)
current trends in policy making aimed at minimizing the negative effects, while
optimizing the development impact of migration. The views, interpretations,
recommendations and conclusions expressed in this paper are those of the author and
not necessarily those of DGIS.