How to use administrative data and household surveys to measure international migration? This was one of the topics discussed by some 30 expert from national statistical offices in CIS countries, national migration services, EU countries, and international organizations in Minsk, Belarus from 28 to 29 May. Participants also exchanged feedback on the content of a draft methodological guide on migration statistics, developed after the chief statisticians of CIS countries identified migration statistics as a priority area for statistical development in the region in 2013.
New data collection opportunities
At the workshop, experts presented material from the guide and countries shared their related national experiences. One of the topics discussed was the use of on-line surveys to collect data on migration. Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees presented information about their recent on-line survey of highly skilled blue card holders in Germany, including the methodology used and challenges faced while conducting this survey. The Russian Federation will also be using online survey methods to conduct its upcoming 2015 microcensus. The potential of using on-line surveys in the region to collect information about migrants was discussed by participants.
Guide on the use of administrative data and sample surveys to measure migration
The methodological guide will serve as an impetus for this improvement, providing practical information on the sources and use of administrative data to measure migration, as well as highlighting many of the inherent methodological and organizational challenges of using administrative data. Special attention is given to improving cooperation between the national statistical offices and other producers of statistical data.
In addition, the guide addresses the use of sample surveys to measure migration, including information about different survey types, methodological processes to govern the use of surveys to collect information on migration, as well as an inventory of migration surveys and best practices in the region. This handbook, which is expected to be released towards the end of 2015, will serve to improve migration statistics in the region and provide data producers with the necessary tools to expand the number of resources at their disposal to measure migration.
The workshop in Minsk was organized by UNECE with financial support from the Russian Federation.
For more information, please visit: http://www.unece.org/index.php?id=37886#/