The report outlined in this policy brief recognizes the wide spectrum of migration-related issues, and sets them in a clear framework focused on three separate policy objectives: control, co-development, and co-existence. Policies that support control (e.g., building walls to prevent illegal entry into a country) should not be mixed with efforts to promote co-existence (e.g., measures to provide new migrants with pathways to becoming active members of society, with access to key benefits that will further their productivity). Meanwhile, policies that focus on co-development and mutual benefits (e.g., bilateral labor agreements for temporary migrants) merit their own consideration, irrespective of policies that support control and coexistence. The policy brief highlights the opportunity for bilateral arrangements to support codevelopment, and describes a range of options.

The employment permit system (EPS) of Korea is an exemplary case of a government action facilitating temporary labor migration for co-development. It balances the benefits of temporary migration for both the sending countries and the receiving country (i.e., Korea) and the political economy surrounding the issue. The report presents multiple features of the system that could be applied in other contexts, while underscoring Korea’s efforts to strengthen the system and manage the political economy over time.