A regional conference in Thimphu reimagined migration as a strategic opportunity for inclusive growth and economic transformation, highlighting the accelerating out-migration and expanding diaspora communities. The conference discussed ethical recruitment, skills training, and diaspora engagement in South Asia, addressing challenges like high migration costs and brain drain, and promoting sustainable mobility pathways. Bhutan’s migration to Australia is accelerating, with 25,000 Bhutanese living there in 2024, and remittances reaching nearly USD 20 million in December 2023. Remittances help 24,000 Bhutanese people below poverty line, with 11.2% receiving in 2022.
Emotional undercurrents highlight connection and purpose for migrants, forming collectives in Australia. Ethical recruitment and support can transform migration into mutual benefit, highlighting the need for tailored strategies in small states like Bhutan, Papua New Guinea, and the Maldives. South Asia’s growing working-age population faces a widening employment gap, with gender disparities exacerbated by limited job creation. Increasing women’s labor force participation could strengthen economic resilience.