Call for papers – Complex Migration Pathways: Insights from Asia

Editors

Anna Triandafyllidou, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration, Toronto Metropolitan University 

Richa Shivakoti, Research Lead, Canada Excellence Research Chair program, Toronto Metropolitan University

Outline

Migration within and beyond Asia has been growing with pathways becoming more varied and complex. In addition to people migrating to the Northern countries, there is also a significant South-South migration happening along with a substantial intra-regional migration within Asia. Asia is the origin of over 40 percent of the world’s international migrants (115 million), with over half (69 million) residing in other Asian countries. It is also the second-largest destination for international migrants (86 million) (UNDESA 2020; McAuliffe and Triandafyllidou 2021). 

The different sub-regions within Asia have developed unique migratory pathways due to various factors including language and cultural similarities, mobility regimes, colonial history and diaspora networks (Shivakoti 2024). But today, migration pathways from, to and within Asia have multiplied and diversified including new origin and destination countries, complex (non-linear) migration projects, mixed motivations, involving new and old stakeholders and migration infrastructures. 

The planned volume aims to analyse the shifting and complex pathways of migration from, to and within Asia. It aims to provide innovative contributions on the following aspects:

• The shifting flows of migration with increased South-South migration, including within Asia as well as the development of new migration corridors through various agreements.
• The diversification of countries of Origin and Destination, whereby both migrants and employers are exploring unconventional avenues to find employment and fill labour shortages. 
• The complex migration trajectories that span multiple locations as migrants navigate various legal systems or gain enough experience and capital before moving to their final destinations.
• The changing forms of recruitment that support these diversified migration trends.

How to submit

Submit your Chapter Proposal: Deadline February 25, 2026

Researchers are invited to submit your chapter proposal to Dr. Richa Shivakoti (rshivakoti@torontomu.ca). Your proposal should include an abstract of 300 words summarizing your research methods and insights and a 200-word biography including your institutional affiliations.