In an integrated world economy, trade and flows of capital, labour, raw materials and technology are inter-related. Labour movements in the Asian region therefore have to be seen in the context of an integrated world economy - but one where vast differences in income, wages and human resource development provide strong incentives for workers to move to better their condition and for employers to encourage such movement. Yet while the flow of goods and capital have been greatly liberalised, there remain very high official barriers to the flow of people.

Australian policy has long emphasized permanent migration, with an increasing emphasis on skills as opposed to family reunion, and a modest refugee intake. Most countries of Southeast and East Asia, by contrast, have eschewed permanent migration but deal with increasing flows of labour migration, both authorized and unauthorized. Nevertheless, both Australia and Asian countries have recently been broadening the scope for skilled migration, especially temporary skilled migration.