Exploring Migration Policies: An In-Depth Discussion

Dr Zoe Jordan and Dr Cathrine Talleraas on the impact of European migration policies on sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, highlighting real-world challenges and future cooperation.

The latest episode of "Oxford Brookes Unscripted" podcast dives into the complexities of migration policies and their effects. The episode features Dr Zoe Jordan, a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture, and Dr Cathrine Talleraas, Senior Researcher at the Chr. Michelsen Institute. Together, they unravel their extensive research on the impacts of European external migration management policies.

Zoe and Cathrine lead a project investigating the consequences of European external migration policies on various countries, particularly focusing on three sub-Saharan African nations (Ghana, Senegal, and Ethiopia) and three Middle Eastern and North African nations (Libya, Lebanon, and Jordan). Their research spans from 2020 to 2024, involving a team of 14 researchers aiming to understand how these policies impact local populations.

The discussion highlights several EU initiatives designed to curb irregular migration from these regions.

EU Policies in Ghana

• Focus on Vocational Training: Many policies are aimed at reducing irregular migration by providing vocational training and job opportunities within Ghana.
• Challenges and Misalignments: Local cultural practices, such as the traditional crossing of porous borders for trade and seasonal work, often clash with EU definitions of irregular migration.

EU Policies in Jordan

• The Jordan Compact: This policy facilitated access to the labor market for Syrian refugees through work permits, coupled with financial and market access support from the EU.
• Focus on Self-Reliance and Resilience: Policies in Jordan often emphasize building resilience and self-reliance among refugees and vulnerable Jordanians.

While both regions face challenges in aligning EU policies with local realities, the nature of migration issues differs. In Ghana, the focus is more on internal migration and preventing emigration to Europe. In contrast, Jordan's policies predominantly address the needs of Syrian refugees.

The episode concludes with a thought-provoking discussion on the future of migration management cooperation between the EU and African and MENA countries. Zoe and Cathrine stress the need for policies that not only manage migration but also uphold the rights and well-being of migrants. They highlight the increasing integration of migration issues into broader policy areas such as trade, development, and humanitarian aid.

For those interested in the intricate dynamics of migration policies and their real-world impacts, this episode of "Oxford Brookes Unscripted" offers valuable insights. It underscores the importance of understanding local contexts and the need for more holistic and humane approaches to migration management.

Listen to the episode