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Ecuadorian civil society agents (NGOs, churches, universities,
migrant associations) as well as IOM and other international
organizations to assess the human impact of migration on societies
of origin. The importance of this aspect of migration for the
stability and functioning of transnational communities should
not be underestimated.
Temporary or permanent stays in the country of destination
do not preclude the migrant’s continued commitment to the
country of origin. Migrants frequently continue to contribute to
their country of origin, even after a long stay abroad, for example
by transferring skills and know-how, sending remittances,
and making investments. As was confirmed by the individual
experience of migrants participating in the workshop, migrants
who are well integrated in their country of destination are less
vulnerable, more likely to prosper and thus are often better
placed to contribute to the development of their home country.
For example, the more financially secure a migrant is in his or
her place of destination, the more he or she is able to contribute
to the country of origin through remittances and investment. In
addition, migrants will be more likely to return to their country
of origin on a temporary or long-term basis if they are assured
that they can retain their acquired legal and social status in the
host country. It is important, however, that efforts on the part of
countries of origin to facilitate and encourage the integration of
their nationals into host societies are accompanied by measures
to maintain their link with the country of origin.
If a migrant does take the decision to return to the country of
origin, many of the same integration principles have relevance
for the reintegration process. Several delegates discussed their
programmes concerning reintegration of returnees. There are
several measures a country of origin can take to facilitate the
return and to ease the reinsertion of migrants into the economic
and social life of the home country. For example, regular sessions
held by Philippine consulates for overseas nationals to discuss
issues regarding their integration in the country of destination
(known as “Pulong-Pulong”) also facilitate the retention of Filipino
culture and language for second and third generations and serve
to prepare migrants for their eventual return to the Philippines.
South Africa is operating programmes to attract professionals to
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