In the global village, people can travel easily from one place to another. However, travel flow is no longer just a personal issue. With an ever-increasing number of immigrants worldwide, enhancing immigration management has become a global concern. Earlier this week, China and the International Organization for Migration launched a new project on immigration management cooperation in Beijing. Our reporter Liu Yan has the details.

Reporter:

The number of immigrants in the world has reached an all-time high. According to a United Nations report, nearly 200 million people, about three percent of the world's population, have left their country of citizenship for a year or more.

At the launch ceremony of an immigration management project between China and the International Organization for Migration, Brunson McKinley, director general of IOM, said effective immigration management will require international cooperation.

"In this age of globalization, and with the trend toward increasing migration, there is a clear consensus that the issue of migration needs to be addressed through strengthening international collaboration and partnership."

The UN official said immigration is not an isolated phenomenon. The move of people is inextricably linked to issues of economic and social development, human rights, security, stability and regional cooperation as well, making its management an increasingly complex area to govern.

As regular immigration is now a beneficial component of the economic and social life of every country and region, McKinley addressed the need for all parties to work together to enhance the positive impacts of immigration and reduce the negative ones.

He further noted that effective immigration management is particularly important for China.

"China is faced with very complex challenges, including a major internal migration, from rural to urban, while at the same time, a record number of Chinese are heading overseas for study or work, and there are increasing numbers of foreigners coming to China for the same reasons."

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, more than 80 million Chinese went abroad, and about 52 million foreigners came into China in 2007 alone. The numbers are expected to be even higher this year with the arrival of the Olympics.
Shen Yongxiang, a senior official from the Foreign Ministry, said the Chinese government will take measures to deal with the migration issue and is willing to cooperate with IOM to create a win-win result.

"We should further promote dialogue and cooperation among the international society in dealing with immigration. At the same time, we should encourage developed countries and relevant international organizations to provide funds and technical support to developing countries."

Both sides reached a consensus on countering illegal immigration, such as human trafficking.

McKinley stressed the development of national legislation is vital to curbing illegal immigration.

"Open the door, set the rules. Get people coming in through regular channels, and this will become a strong disincentive for those people to come irregularly."

Established in 1951, IOM is the only intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly immigration worldwide. China has been an IOM observer since 2001.

The new program sponsored by the European Union will include exchanges of personnel, information and technology concerning immigration between China and the EU.

Liu Yan, CRI News.