New research identifies key obstacles to effective use of irregular migration data
BRUSSELS — Whilst numbers about border crossings or migrant apprehensions are threaded into public conversations, policymaking and operational decisions, in reality data on irregular migration to Europe are often inadequate—either lacking altogether, uneven or difficult to access. This has consequences for policymakers, service providers and other stakeholders that would benefit from better access to reliable data.
A new Migration Policy Institute Europe (MPI Europe) policy brief, Towards the more effective use of irregular migration data in policymaking, explores the obstacles that hinder the effective collection and use of irregular migration data, how this affects policymakers and other actors, and potential avenues for strengthening the evidence base.
This study, which is part of the EU-funded Measuring Irregular Migration and Related Policies (MIrreM) Project, draws on insights shared in workshops and interviews by policymakers, subject matter experts, NGO representatives and other stakeholders.
Despite the growing importance of migration data in shaping public policy, the brief reveals that many of the datasets used to inform decisions are inadequate and fragmented. Much of the available data is a byproduct of law enforcement operations, with political priorities such as border security often driving data collection. Whilst border crossings represent one route into irregularity, others (such as visa overstay, children born to irregular migrants and victims of trafficking) are regularly undercounted. And data on the socio-demographic characteristics of irregular migrants or their secondary movement across the European Union are lacking. As a result, datasets on irregular migration frequently leave critical gaps in information and fail to meet the specific needs of policymakers, researchers or advocates.
The brief also points to the inconsistent and sometimes unclear definitions of ‘irregular migration’. Such ambiguity increases the risk of misinterpreting data and undermines the comparability of datasets across regions and over time. Furthermore, the lack of transparency around how migration data are collected—along with limited information on data quality—makes it harder for users to trust or effectively analyse the information. Users also often lack the data literacy required to properly assess its quality and relevance to their needs.
The authors, MPI Europe analysts Jasmijn Slootjes and Ravenna Sohst, recommend strengthening local-level data collection and separating migration data from law enforcement functions to reduce bias. Additionally, they suggest the need for greater harmonisation of definitions and enhanced interoperability of data systems to make data more accessible and reliable, while putting in place adequate safeguards and firewalls. Building the capacity of data users, including enhancing their data literacy, is also key to improving the overall use of migration data.
The policy brief can be read here: www.migrationpolicy.org/research/irregular-migration-data-policymaking.
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About the MIrreM Project
The MIrreM Project is analysing policies defining migrant irregularity and stakeholders’ data needs and usage, as well as assessing existing estimates and statistical indicators on irregular migration in the 20 countries under study and at the EU level. Using several coordinated pilots, the project is developing new and innovative methods for measuring irregular migration and exploring if and how these instruments can be applied in other socio-economic or institutional contexts. The project is a collaboration between 18 institutions, including MPI Europe.
For more on the project and other research published to date, visit: https://irregularmigration.eu/.
About MPI Europe
MPI Europe provides authoritative research and practical policy design to governmental and non-governmental stakeholders who seek more effective management of migration, immigrant integration and asylum systems, as well as better outcomes for newcomers, families of migrant background and receiving communities throughout Europe. MPI Europe also provides a forum for the exchange of information on migration and immigrant integration practices within the European Union and Europe more generally.
For more, visit www.mpieurope.org.