Mixed migration in Asia and the Pacific is driven by a combination of conflict and instability, economic pressures and opportunities, climate-related hazards, and limited access to safe and regular migration pathways. Across the region, people move for diverse reasons, including to seek safety from violence and persecution, pursue livelihoods and employment opportunities, and respond to the impacts of environmental change and natural hazards.

Limited access to legal protection frameworks and regular migration pathways means that refugees and migrants are often categorised as “irregular” or “illegal”, exposing them to measures such as arrest, detention and deportation, while increasing their vulnerability to exploitation, abuse and trafficking in persons. Many people undertake dangerous journeys by land or sea to seek safety, stability or improved living conditions. Others migrate in search of employment opportunities, including in sectors characterised by precarious employment, where workers may face unsafe conditions, discrimination or abuse.

Across Asia and the Pacific, people on the move follow interconnected migration routes within and beyond the region, including movements across South and Southeast Asia, towards labour markets in the Gulf, and along maritime routes such as the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. Where safe and regular pathways are unavailable, some people may turn to smugglers to facilitate their movement, increasing exposure to protection risks. The experiences of people engaged in mixed migration vary considerably depending on factors including nationality, gender, age, legal status and the reasons for migration.

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’s work in Asia and the Pacific is made possible through the generous support and close cooperation with various partners