Migration is an important, yet sensitive topic on the international agenda. Multilateral cooperation on migration issues has not always been self-evident or straightforward. Over the years, however, States have developed different mechanisms for interacting with each other on this subject. Specifically created with a view to addressing migration issues, Regional Consultative Processes on Migration are one such mechanism. While differing widely in size, composition and structure, all processes bring together States for informal and non-binding dialogue and information exchange on migration at the regional level.

Most Regional Consultative Processes on Migration have been in existence for at least five years, and some significantly longer, making this an opportune moment to reflect on their achievements and challenges. The present study considers fourteen of the principal Regional Consultative Processes on Migration, spanning most regions of the globe. Based primarily on interviews with government officials and other actors involved in these processes, the study asks what impacts Regional Consultative Processes on Migration have had on migration governance and on fostering greater confidence in inter-State cooperation on migration.

This report sets out with a broad definition of migration governance. It identifies three distinct phases of the governance processes and analyses the contributions Regional Consultative Processes on Migration have made to each of these. The study then proceeds to draw general lessons and recommendations from the experiences of different processes in terms of their working style and focus. It concludes by exploring where Regional Consultative Processes on Migration fit in the global picture of dialogue and cooperation on migration, with a look ahead to their future possible trajectories.