The Prospects for Migration Data Harmonisation in the SADC

The Migration Dialogue for Southern Africa (MIDSA) aims to facilitate regional dialogue and cooperation on migration policy issues amongst the governments of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The overall objective is to facilitate regional co-operation in migration management by fostering greater understanding of migration and strengthening regional institutional and personnel capacities. The Prospects for Migration Data Harmonisation, Migration Dialogue for Southern Africa (MIDSA) report No. 2, suggests that harmonisation is much more feasible than is commonly believed. But member states need to reflect on the objectives and purpose of harmonisation and, based on the outcomes of such reflections, they should critically think about the systems to put in place to achieve their objectives. MIDSA, a regular inter-governmental meeting, provides an excellent forum for such reflection and debate.