Community Perceptions and Information Needs of Persons at Risk of Irregular Migration in Bali Process Member States: Evidence from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand

“Community Perceptions and Information Needs of Persons at Risk of Irregular Migration in Bali Process Member States: Evidence from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand” provides insights into drivers of irregular migration and how irregular migration is perceived by persons in situations of vulnerability who are at risk of pursuing irregular pathways, as well as their communities. Moreover, the report identifies how and where people seek information before and during migration and assesses the effectiveness of existing information interventions. Lastly, the report provides practical recommendations to address existing information needs of persons at risk of irregular migration.

Published by the Regional Support Office of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime (RSO) and the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC), the report focuses on key origin, transit, and destination countries for irregular movements in Asia.

The research captures the lived experiences of 612 refugees and migrants originally from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Myanmar (Rohingya and other ethnic groups).

Key findings of the report

• Migration decisions of individuals are collectively influenced by an intersection of economic, political, social, cultural, and environmental factors.
• Marriage abroad, gender-based discrimination, and systemic exclusions are key drivers of migration for women.
• Perceptions of irregular migration among migrant groups are largely influenced by the protection incidents they face along their journeys.
• In contrast to the heavy reliance of host communities on migrant labour, refugees and irregular migrants are increasingly stigmatised within local communities.
• Information-seeking behaviours vary significantly across refugee and migrant groups, with some not seeking information at all and others largely relying on informal networks as trusted sources.
• There is a disconnect between information dissemination methods used by government and non-government institutions, and the means migrants and refugees typically obtain information from.
• The report is intended for policymakers, frontline and operational officials, civil society organisations, international agencies, and other relevant actors involved in designing or implementing policies and programmes addressing irregular migration.