DISCUSSION PAPER 16: Micronesia has the highest per capita net emigration rates in the world.
Micronesia has the highest per capita net emigration rates in the world.
Why is this? Is this necessarily a bad thing? PiPP’s new briefing paper explores the history and concerns around this issue. Although such high rates of emigration have in some ways impacted negatively on the development of these small island states, the alternative would likely be worse. On balance, the ability of Micronesians to migrate (mainly to the US under Compact of Free Association agreements) has been of benefit to both Micronesians and the US.
However, Micronesian policy makers need to think of ways to retain qualified locals and better develop the economy at home. Ben Graham is a Marshallese policy analyst and member of the PiPP advisory council. He says:
“Migration is nothing new to Micronesians. Movement within the islands and, for the past few decades, to the US has become just a part of who we are. But the emigration levels have intensified and many people are growing concerned about the demographic, development, and other impacts that this might have.
“It’s a good time for policymakers in FSM and RMI to re-visit this issue”.
For further information or media enquiries please contact:
Frida Bani, Communications Officer
email fbani(at)pacificpolicy.org
telephone +678 29842.
Join the discussion on Facebook
Front page image caption:Continental Micronesia’s service began in 1968 and remains the only link from Micronesia to the rest of the world.
©RMI Visitors Authority
