Recent migration trends and the refugee crisis Jean-Christophe Dumont, Head, International Migration Division, OECD Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Directorate Immigration flows are on the rise in most OECD countries. Preliminary data for 2014 suggest that permanent migration flows increased sharply for the first time since 2007 and are almost back to their pre-crisis level. Intra-regional migration, notably within Europe, is increasing together with the international competition for talents. What are the key trends regarding labour migration policies in the OECD? In the meantime, Europe will record in 2015 an unprecedented number of asylum seekers and refugees with up to one million asylum applications; an estimated 350 000 to 450 000 people could be granted refugee or similar status, more than in any previous European refugee crisis since World War II. Can OECD countries cope with this crisis and what are the prospects for future developments?