The authors call upon G20 leaders to recognize cities as active agents in managing migration, in recognition of the fact that migrants tend to settle in urban areas, when they arrive in their destination country. G20 countries need to strengthen institutional capacity at the city level, empowering cities to determine the legal status and protect the rights of all migrants (voluntary and involuntary). We urge G20 countries to focus on the key challenges cities are presented with, as a result of migration, particularly the provision of affordable housing, education and skills development, access to health services (including mental health services), access to transportation modes, additional stress on the natural environment and increased consumption and waste. We encourage G20 countries to make evidence based decisions rather than based on public opinion, perception and sentiments. To ensure inclusivity and integration, G20 countries should work with city leaders to engage migrants in their urban planning processes. We ask the G20 countries to consult with the private sector not only as potential migrant employers, but also as a catalyst of economic and social change by lending voices on formulating migration policies, contributing to multi-stakeholder partnerships involving all actors and as solutions providers.

Task Force: Migration