Mixed Migration Review 2025
Migration in the context of geopolitical turmoil
Asia and the Pacific
MMC engages in data collection, research, analysis and policy development on mixed migration in Asia and the Pacific. In 2025, MMC research focused on Afghanistan, Türkiye, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
Featured publication
The Evolving Route of Bangladeshi Migration to Italy through Libya
Based on 80 in-depth interviews in Bangladesh, Libya and Italy, this report examines how journeys are structured and financed, and how recruitment networks linked to formal labour migration increasingly intersect with irregular movement and smuggling.
Mixed migration in Asia and the Pacific
Asia is characterised by fast evolving and complex population movements, including the large-scale and often irregular movement of people. Across the region, weak legal protection frameworks result in refugees and migrants often being categorized as “irregular” or “illegal”, subjecting them to measures including arrest, detention and deportation as well as increasing their risk of exploitation. Many people take great risks to escape life-threatening situations, such as conflicts, violence, discrimination or natural disasters, embarking on perilous journeys by land or sea. Others, motivated in search of better opportunities, migrate to work in often dangerous, dirty and demeaning (the so-called “3D”) jobs, exposing them to risks such as exploitation and trafficking. Regardless of their motivations, people moving in mixed migration across Asia travel along similar routes and engage similar means, often travelling irregularly with the assistance of smugglers.
Asia and the Pacific, Quarter 4, 2025
Mixed migration trends and relevant policy developments in the region.
- Pakistan orders the closure of all Afghan refugee camps
- At least 29 dead in a boat capsizing off the Thailand–Malaysia border amid an increase in maritime crossings by Rohingya refugees, which reached 5,300 in 2025
- Regional climate disasters displace 1.2 million people
About MMC’s work in Asia and the Pacific
In 2025 MMC carried out 4Mi data collection in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan and Türkiye, and return surveys in Afghanistan.
The primary objectives of MMC are to fill the knowledge gap on mixed migration in the region and inform programming for migrants (particularly, in the area of protection) as well as policy-making around the rights and protection of people on the move.
MMC activity update: October – December 2025
- During the 4th quarter of 2025, MMC in Asia and the Pacific completed data collection in Pakistan with 1,800 Afghan respondents, including 900 Afghan children, youth, and caregivers. In Türkiye, an additional 1,700 surveys were conducted with Afghan, Pakistani, Iranian, and Palestinian refugees and migrants. MMC also carried out data collection with 515 Rohingya and Afghan respondents across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
- MMC team in Asia and the Pacific presented the Pathways to Protection project as an example of an evidence-based approach to strengthening protection systems at UNHCR’s regional workshop on operationalising the route-based approach in Asia and the Pacific.
- MMC also presented on the 4Mi returns initiative at the Bali Process Technical Experts Group for Returns and Reintegration annual meeting in Manila, drawing on findings from its report Afghan returns: experiences, challenges, and prospects for reintegration, published earlier this year.
News, Events, and Projects
InfoMigrants
Bangladesh-Libya-Italy migration route: ‘An adaptive and organized route to Europe’
Coverage on this route using MMC report and interviews with migrants.
Media coverage
OUR FUNDING PARTNERS
MMC’s work in Asia and the Pacific is made possible through the generous support and close cooperation with various partners
Get in touch with Asia and the Pacific
For more information on our research in the region contact [email protected] or subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates straight to your inbox