IOM Chief's Iceland Visit Boosts Migration Collaboration
The Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, is on an official visit to Reykjavik this week to strengthen the long-standing partnership between IOM and the Government of Iceland. As the country implements its first-ever comprehensive migration policy, discussions are centring on migration trends in Iceland, across the Nordic region, and at the international level.
"Iceland is at a pivotal moment as it puts its first-ever migration policy into practice - translating principles into real outcomes for people and communities," said DG Pope. "IOM brings global experience, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Our partnership with Iceland is about working together to make migration work better in practice - in ways that are fair, orderly and beneficial for all."
Building on a partnership established in 2012, DG Pope is meeting with senior Icelandic counterparts, including Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir, Minister of Justice, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Iceland. The visit also includes consultations with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs on migration, development, and humanitarian assistance.
Iceland's migration context has changed rapidly in recent years, with migrants now representing 18 per cent of the nation's population of around 400,000 people. This growing diversity reflects shifting labour market demands and emerging protection considerations for migrants in vulnerable situations, highlighting the importance of policies that look at migration in its entirety, from arrival and integration to return.
Cooperation on return remains a cornerstone of the IOM-Iceland partnership. This year marks ten years of cooperation between IOM and the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration (IDI) on the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme. Over the past decade, the programme has supported more than 800 migrants in vulnerable situations to return home from Iceland, while providing assistance to help them reintegrate sustainably in their countries of origin.
Complementing discussions on return, the visit is also placing a strong emphasis on the importance of protection and inclusion for migrants living in Iceland. During meetings with civil society organizations led by and working with migrants, DG Pope will hear directly about their experiences, resilience, and contributions to Icelandic society. These exchanges will highlight how inclusive policies can translate into tangible benefits for both individuals and communities.
Looking ahead, expanding safe and regular migration pathways remains a key focus for IOM worldwide, aiming to benefit both migrants and societies alike. DG Pope's visit is reaffirming how the partnership between IOM and Iceland can help turn this potential into action.
https://www.iom.int/news/iom-chief-first-visit-iceland-paves-way-closer-collaboration-migration
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