The Micronesian Exodus

The Pacific Institute of Public Policy (PiPP) has released its latest discussion paper, this time centered on Micronesian migration, as Micronesian leaders attend their bi-annual summit in Palau this week.

Micronesia has the highest per capita net emigration rates in the world.

Why is this? Is this necessarily a bad thing? PiPP’s new briefing paper explores the history and concerns around this issue.

Although such high rates of emigration have in some ways impacted negatively on the development of these small island states, the alternative would likely be worse. On balance, the ability of Micronesians to migrate (mainly to the US under Compact of Free Association agreements) has been of benefit to both Micronesians and the US.

However, Micronesian policy makers need to think of ways to retain qualified locals and better develop the economy at home.

Ben Graham is a Marshallese policy analyst and member of the PiPP advisory council. He says:

“Migration is nothing new to Micronesians. Movement within the islands and, for the past few decades, to the US has become just a part of who we are. But the emigration levels have intensified and many people are growing concerned about the demographic, development, and other impacts that this might have.”

“It's a good time for policymakers in FSM and RMI to re-visit this issue”.

ENDS

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