This paper discusses the linkages between migration and the Millennium Development Goals, with specific focus on poverty alleviation, gender, health, environmental sustainability and global partnerships.

There is a noticeable gap in research and analysis on how migration is linked to attaining the Millenium Development Goals. However as the available evidence shows, there is clearly no simple cause and effect relationship between migration and the achievement of the MDGs.

The report argues that while the impact of migration on development can be both positive and negative, if properly engaged, migrants can be a supporting factor towards the achievement of MDG targets. In those areas where migration can be identified as a challenge to achieving the MDGs, the international community needs to develop migration management strategies in order to address the negative effect of migration on attaining the goals. Simultaneously, governments, development agencies and international organizations should develop strategies to enhance the positive impact of migration on the achievement of the MDGs.

Above all, the complex relationship between migration and the MDGs must be explored further. Further research is needed to develop meaningful indicators in order to assist governments to develop appropriate policy mechanisms to take advantage of the positive potential of migration on achieving the MDGs.