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International Journal of
Population Studies Migration data management insights

national borders or across international boundaries, for a migration data presents a complex array of challenges
multitude of reasons that may be temporary or permanent that stem from the multifaceted nature of migration
(IOM, 2011). This broad classification includes various itself, as well as the various systems and methodologies
subcategories such as labor migrants, international students, employed to collect, analyze, and disseminate this
irregular migrants who lack appropriate documentation, information. Managing migration data involves navigating
and circular migrants who move back and forth between a landscape fraught with challenges related to collection
locations. The complexity of defining these categories methods, standardization issues, privacy concerns,
arises from the diverse motivations behind migration technological limitations, political influences, and inter-
and the evolving nature of individual circumstances over agency coordination difficulties (Franklinos et al., 2021).
time. Furthermore, there is ongoing discourse regarding Addressing these challenges is essential for improving the
the inclusion of descendants of migrants in this definition, accuracy and reliability of migration statistics, which are
raising questions about generational distinctions such as crucial for informed policymaking.
first, second, or third generation and the implications of The objective of this study is to systematically identify
such classifications (King, 2013). These categories are not and analyze the challenges of managing migration
merely descriptive but are socially constructed frameworks data, including fragmentation, privacy concerns,
that necessitate careful disaggregation into essential and technological barriers while exploring research
indicators to effectively monitor and address the health opportunities to enhance understanding of migration
and well-being of migrant populations, taking into account trends. It evaluates the role of collaborative initiatives like
their varied backgrounds and intersecting socio-economic artificial intelligence (AI) and the big data for migration
factors. alliance (BD4M) in utilizing advanced analytics to improve
Data sets about global migration are vital to the global migration management and inform policymaking.
improvement of migration theories, the reduction of The research questions focus on identifying the primary
uncertainty about the present state of migration globally, challenges researchers and policymakers face in managing
and the refinement of forecasts and population projections migration data effectively and understanding how these
(Bijak, 2010). Throughout history, data gathering has been challenges affect the quality of migration studies. In
a crucial aspect of human knowledge acquisition. From addition, they explore how emerging technologies can
ancient civilizations to the digital age, data has played a improve migration data collection, tracking, analysis, and
pivotal role in shaping our understanding of the world. dissemination to enhance understanding and inform better
As technology continues to advance, we can expect even policy-making. Finally, the questions seek to uncover
greater advancements in data collection techniques, new research methodologies that can utilize existing
leading to even greater insights and advancements in the migration data to provide more comprehensive insights
future. into migration patterns and trends.
Data production has become ubiquitous, and data The structure of the paper is outlined as follows:
storage has become cheap and widely available. In the following a concise introduction, Section 2 provides a
past few decades, there has been a significant increase in review of existing literature related to the study topic.
data generation and collection, driven by technological Section 3 addresses the challenges faced in managing
advancements and the global expansion of digital devices. migration data. Section 4 explores new opportunities that
This phenomenon is often referred to as “big data”, arise in migration data research. The concluding section
and it has had a profound impact on various aspects of summarizes the findings and offers policy implications.
society, including business, governance, and science.
Smartphones and other mobile devices have enabled the 2. Literature review
superproliferation of data, thereby providing all kinds of The effective management of migration data serves as a
information about human activity. However, methods foundation for informed decision-making across various
for collecting, utilizing, and selecting credible data have sectors involved in addressing migration issues. It enhances
always been ambiguous and subject to dispute among understanding among stakeholders while promoting
authors (Quach et al., 2022). Globally, policymakers and transparency and accountability in how migration is handled
scholars face challenges associated with migration studies, globally. In December 2018, the first-ever intergovernmental
such as the lack of credible data, measurement difficulties, agreement on international migration was adopted by the
and harmonization of definitions. global compact for safe, orderly, and regular migration and the
Managing migration data presents both significant global compact for refugees. The inclusion of migration-related
challenges and promising opportunities. Managing targets in the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development is a

Volume 11 Issue 6 (2025) 16 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.6846