In a significant development aimed at bolstering the protection of migrants and managing migration more effectively, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative funded by the European Union.
The project will be implemented across multiple countries, including:
- 🇵🇰 Pakistan
- 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
- 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan
- 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
- 🇹🇯 Tajikistan
- 🇦🇫 Afghanistan
How will the initiative protect migrants?
The primary objective of this initiative is to shield migrants from the numerous risks they face, such as human trafficking, smuggling, and exploitation.
To achieve this, ICMPD is expanding its network by inaugurating a new Migrants Resource Center (MRC) in Peshawar, adding to the existing centers in Islamabad and Lahore. These MRCs serve as vital hubs for prospective migrants and returnees, offering counseling and guidance.
ICMPD is committed to addressing the root causes of migration, including unemployment, inequality, and climate change, underscoring their dedication to creating a more sustainable future.
📢 Happy to announce our new project on Improving Migration Management and Migrant Protection!
— EUPakistan (@EUPakistan) September 8, 2023
With 🇪🇺 funding, @ICMPD will implement this initiative across 🇵🇰, 🇰🇿, 🇰🇬, 🇺🇿,🇹🇯 and 🇦🇫.
Our goal is to protect migrants from risks like human trafficking, smuggling and exploitation
🧵 pic.twitter.com/v8CnLoWfA9
ICMPD delegation visits Pakistan
ICMPD’s Director General Michael Spindelegger recently led a delegation to Pakistan, where they engaged with high-level government officials.
Spindelegger met with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi, Faisal Nisar from the Ministry of Interior, and Mohsin Hasan Butt, Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency. Mohsin Butt led discussions at the FIA Headquarters and emphasized the importance of cooperation between both organizations under the framework of ICMPD’s extensive border management program in Pakistan. He highlighted the FIA’s vision for modernization to facilitate travelers and make border crossings more efficient while staunchly committing to curbing irregular migration from Pakistan.
During their visit, the ICMPD director general also had discussions with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Jawad Sohrab Malik and Secretary at the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Zulfiquar Haider, to discuss ICMPD’s commitment to cooperation on migration and border management with the Government of Pakistan.
Jawad Malik reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing comprehensive support services to Pakistani nationals abroad. Labor mobility and diversification of destination countries for Pakistani labor force are key areas of future collaboration. The ministry also commended the role played by Migrant Resource Centers in Islamabad and Lahore, welcoming the announcement of a new center in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2023.
ICMPD has been actively collaborating with various government entities in Pakistan on a range of projects, including policy development, research, capacity building, awareness campaigns, and dialogue facilitation. These initiatives span local, regional, and international levels, encompassing border management, reintegration, and labor mobility.
Faisal Nisar, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Interior, thanked ICMPD for ongoing support and expressed the ministry’s commitment to enhancing their collaboration through technological advancements and comprehensive personnel training.
Michael Spindelegger expressed his gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for their steadfast support to ICMPD, acknowledging that the success of ICMPD’s initiatives in Pakistan heavily relies on this support. Since the signing of the 2020 Cooperation Agreement, ICMPD’s activities in Pakistan have significantly expanded, and they are eager to strengthen this partnership further.
The ICMPD chief’s visit included an observation of an awareness session conducted by Migrant Resource Centre counselors at the Hazza Institute of Technology. He stressed the importance of acquiring internationally recognized skills in today’s competitive, interconnected world.