AI in migration is fuelling global inequality: How can we bridge the gap?
Many countries lack critical ICT infrastructure for AI in migration, while migrants may face blocks accessing digital channels, increasing digital divides.
International migration specialist with over 20 years of experience as a practitioner, program manager, senior official, analyst, researcher and more recently in academia at the Australian National University. Currently, Head, Migration Research Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Geneva. Chief Editor, World Migration Report. Senior Fellow, Global Migration Centre, Graduate Institute in Geneva. Member, International Geneva Committee, Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS), and elected member of the SNIS Scientific Committee. Published widely in academic and “grey” literature. Key publications include: World Migration Reports 2018 and 2020 editions (IOM with Prof Martin Ruhs and Prof Binod Khadria), “Enhancing humanitarian protection in Southeast Asia” (for Migration Policy Institute), “Migrant Smuggling Data and Research: A global review of the emerging evidence base, volumes 1 & 2” (for IOM), “A long way to go: Irregular migration patterns, processes, drivers and decision making” (for ANU Press with Prof Khalid Koser). 2012-15, Director, Irregular Migration Research Programme, Australian Department of Immigration.
Many countries lack critical ICT infrastructure for AI in migration, while migrants may face blocks accessing digital channels, increasing digital divides.
Migration is seen through a too narrow and politicized lens, providing a distorted picture of the data, but it's the regional trends that are important.
The international community must work together to counter the economic, political and security implications created by this humanitarian disaster.