Abstract
Labour migration has been traditionally ‘overlooked’ by ‘core IPE’ theories. Preoccupations with labour migration have been addressed in sociology, anthropology, history and economics. However, the framing of migration moved from ‘problem’ to ‘crisis’ posing constructed challenges to ideas of transnationalism and values in different regions. Why are some nation-states willing to accept high levels of migration even when it might contrast with their interests? This chapter addresses the issue of labour migration across borders from an ‘IPE standpoint’ reviewing ‘mainstream’ and ‘critical’ traditions of IPE. It concludes suggesting ways forward to develop an integrative agenda on migration within IPE as the discipline expands.