Imagining the Future of Migration and Families in Asia

This paper attempts to outline observed changes in Asian families (particularly in East and Southeast Asia) in the past thirty years, reviews research-based findings on the links between international migration and the family, and identifies emerging family-related issues vis-à-vis emerging trends in international migration. Among the notable changes in Asian families during this period are the shift towards smaller families, the shift to longer family life course, and the emerging transnational configuration of families. The last one has been brought about by increasing population mobility. Despite the policy to keep migration temporary, some limited form of settlement is taking place in the region. Among others, this raises questions and policy dilemmas concerning the nature of migration in the future, the treatment of foreigners in receiving societies, and human rights issues affecting women and children.