OIM - IOM Strategy for Asia and the Pacific 2025-2029 de 2024

ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

2025–2029 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FORIOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

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PUB2025/009/RASIA AND THE PACIFIC

2025–2029

IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR4

IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 2025–2029FOREWORD BY THE IOM DIRECTOR GENERAL .................................................................................................7

PUB2025/009/RASIA AND THE PACIFIC

2025–2029

IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR4

IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 2025–2029FOREWORD BY THE IOM DIRECTOR GENERAL .................................................................................................7

FOREWORD BY THE IOM REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC ............................ 9

ABOUT IOM ............................................................................................................................................................................ 10 IOM IN THE REGION ...........................................................................................................................................................11 MIGRATION OUTLOOK FOR THE REGION ..........................................................................................................13 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES ....................................................................................................................................................16 PARTNERSHIPS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 29 CROSS-CUTTING PRIORITIES ....................................................................................................................................... 31 ENABLERS .................................................................................................................................................................................. 33

CONTENTS

5 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 2025–2029Migration is a defining force in the Asia-Pacific region, offering opportunities to drive development, innovation, and resilience. Through this strategy, IOM reaffirms its commitment to working across borders to address shared challenges and unlock the full potential of human mobility. Amy E. POPE IOM Director GeneralThe growing complexity of the migration landscape, resulting from various factors – from climate change to conflict to economic disparities – means that cooperation between neighbouring States and regional actors is essential to ensure that migration is safe, orderly and regular. This IOM Regional Strategy for Asia and Pacific 2025–2029 builds on the IOM Strategic Plan 2024–2028 and highlights how IOM will work with partners throughout the region to meet migration challenges. By building on local capacities and knowledge, we can craft solutions that address the specific needs of the Asia-Pacific region while promoting sustainable outcomes for migrants and communities alike. This reflects IOM’s vision of delivering on the promise of migration, enabling it to serve as a force for development and prosperity. We must be collaborative and agile to achieve that vision, working together to protect the most vulnerable, address the root causes of rising

communities alike. This reflects IOM’s vision of delivering on the promise of migration, enabling it to serve as a force for development and prosperity. We must be collaborative and agile to achieve that vision, working together to protect the most vulnerable, address the root causes of rising displacement and facilitate the regular migration pathways that meet the greater demand for migrant workers. The implementation of this Regional Strategy will ensure that we continue to work across borders, supporting migrants through a coordinated, inclusive approach that aligns with both regional and global priorities. T ogether with our partners, IOM will continue to deliver on the promise of migration, ensuring its benefits are shared and that no one is left behind. Amy E. POPE IOM Director General Migration is an ever-present force that shapes the lives of millions – in the regions people leave behind, the places they journey through and the ones in which they arrive.

FOREWORD BY THE IOM

DIRECTOR GENERAL

7 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 2025–2029IOM improves camp sites by stabilizing slopes in Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh. © IOM 2021The Asia and the Pacific region presents a dynamic and complex tapestry of migration. What sets this region apart is the interplay of diverse drivers of human mobility. Rapid economic growth and urbanization attract millions of workers, while concurrent demographic shifts in the region, such as the youth bulge and population ageing, affect mobility patterns. At the same time, widening inequity due to a lack of social services and employment opportunities, protracted crises and climate change force many to leave their communities. Human mobility is inextricably linked to the future of Asia and the Pacific, the leading region of origin for international migrants globally. This Regional Strategy, in line with the IOM Strategic Plan 2024–2028 , thus addresses these unique features head-on, promoting safe, orderly and regular migration and leaving no one behind. As we enter the final few years of The 2030

international migrants globally. This Regional Strategy, in line with the IOM Strategic Plan 2024–2028 , thus addresses these unique features head-on, promoting safe, orderly and regular migration and leaving no one behind. As we enter the final few years of The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, this new Strategy for 2025–2029 provides a road map for Member States, observers and stakeholders to navigate these complexities and harness the potential of migration to accelerate sustainable development. The Regional Strategy capitalizes on the Organization’s migration expertise, thought leadership, and convening power, including through the United Nations Network on Migration. IOM strives to intensify its support to individual Member States in the region by strengthening migration governance; enhancing migration data collection and analysis; facilitating regular migration pathways; tackling conflictand climate-induced displacements; filling labour shortages; and addressing specific vulnerabilities, such as those of women, youth, older people and persons with disabilities, within the migration context. IOM will continue to support Member States’ efforts to collect and utilize accurate and reliable data on migration and integrate human mobility into national and regional development strategies, through evidence-based advocacy and policy advice. It will also further strengthen partnerships with regional bodies, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Pacific Islands Forum and platforms such as the Colombo Process and Bali Process, fostering further regional cooperation. The commitment of IOM to the region is unwavering. By working hand-in-hand with governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, the media, and importantly, migrants themselves, we can collectively ensure that migration contributes to a more prosperous, inclusive and resilient Asia and the Pacific region.

FOREWORD BY THE IOM REGIONAL

DIRECTOR FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Iori Kato IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific 9

IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 2025–2029ABOUT IOM

region.

FOREWORD BY THE IOM REGIONAL

DIRECTOR FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Iori Kato IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific 9 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 2025–2029ABOUT IOM Established in 1951, IOM is the leading United Nations agency on migration and the principal intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. It works closely with its key stakeholders – migrants and Member States – to promote safe, orderly and regular migration. This involves providing services and advice to governments, migrants and other stakeholders in order to maximize the benefits and opportunities of migration and reduce its challenges. As of December 2023, IOM had 175 Member States, offices in over 580 field locations and more than 20,900 staff, 90 per cent of whom were deployed in the field. The Organization’s work at all levels is shaped by the three objectives set out in the IOM Strategic Plan 2024–2028: saving lives and protecting people on the move; driving solutions to displacement; and facilitating pathways for regular migration. As recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, migration and sustainable development are inextricably linked. The Sustainable Development Goals – and the commitment to leave no one behind – will not be met without due consideration for migration. Additionally, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration is grounded in the 2030 Agenda and promotes a whole-of-government and whole-ofsociety approach to address this link. In addition to assisting IOM country offices, the Organization’s regional offices play a critical role in supporting regional migration processes by facilitating dialogue, cooperation and capacity-building among countries within their regions to address migration challenges and harness the benefits of migration. The Regional Strategy for Asia and the Pacific will bring greater coherence and impact to IOM’s activities in the region and allow for a joined-up approach to the way the Organization designs and delivers its operations. It brings new perspectives and new

challenges and harness the benefits of migration. The Regional Strategy for Asia and the Pacific will bring greater coherence and impact to IOM’s activities in the region and allow for a joined-up approach to the way the Organization designs and delivers its operations. It brings new perspectives and new approaches, allowing the IOM Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific to contribute to the Organization’s vision to deliver on the promise of migration, while supporting the world’s most vulnerable. 10 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 2025–2029IOM IN THE REGION In the Asia and the Pacific region, IOM now has 34 Member States, over 30 field offices and more than 6,000  staff. The Regional Office, based in Bangkok, covers: Afghanistan; Australia; Bangladesh; Cambodia; China; Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; the Federated States of Micronesia; Fiji; India; Indonesia; the Islamic Republic of Iran; Japan; the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Maldives; the Marshall Islands; Mongolia; Myanmar; Nepal; New Zealand; Pakistan; Palau; Papua New Guinea; the Philippines; the Republic of Korea; Samoa; Solomon Islands; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu; and Viet Nam. In 2023, over USD 570 million was spent on different projects in the region, encompassing humanitarian responses, migration health, responses to climate-induced migration, and border management solutions and protection. The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific provides technical support and oversight to its country operations. It works closely with government representatives from regional and subregional entities to facilitate good migration governance and deliver positive outcomes for migrants and their communities. IOM serves as the secretariat of the Regional United Nations Network on Migration for Asia and the Pacific, which aims to facilitate effective, timely and coordinated United Nations system-wide support to Member States in respect of migration

entities to facilitate good migration governance and deliver positive outcomes for migrants and their communities. IOM serves as the secretariat of the Regional United Nations Network on Migration for Asia and the Pacific, which aims to facilitate effective, timely and coordinated United Nations system-wide support to Member States in respect of migration policy, including the implementation, follow-up and review of the Global Compact. The Organization is an active contributor to several regional migration-related platforms and processes, notably the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Committee on the Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers; the ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour; the Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime; the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, which promotes modern slavery considerations and the role of the private sector in addressing exploitation; and the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, which operates in Asia and the Pacific to support dialogue, policy development and operational cooperation relating to irregular migration. In the area of migration health, IOM supports the implementation of the ASEAN Framework on Health Coverage for Documented Migrants, including Migrant Workers and Special Populations, endorsed by ASEAN Ministers of Health in 2023. In addition, IOM provides essential support to the Regional Consultative Process on the Management of Overseas Employment and Contractual Labour for Countries of Origin in Asia (Colombo Process) and its Member States in pursuing the goals agreed in various thematic areas, such as fair and ethical recruitment, skills and qualifications, remittances, pre-departure orientation and migrant empowerment. The Pacific Islands Forum is the main political and economic organization in the Pacific region and comprises 18 Member States. Its stated focus is to promote a resilient region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity that ensures all Pacific persons can lead free, healthy and productive lives. IOM collaborates closely with the Pacific Islands

economic organization in the Pacific region and comprises 18 Member States. Its stated focus is to promote a resilient region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity that ensures all Pacific persons can lead free, healthy and productive lives. IOM collaborates closely with the Pacific Islands Forum to promote regional cooperation and enhance migration governance. The Pacific Immigration Development Community is a forum for official immigration agencies of the Pacific region, aimed at fostering Pacific border integrity, promoting economic prosperity through regional collaboration and modernization, and facilitating the secure, seamless and efficient international movement of people across the Pacific region. IOM supports the Pacific Immigration Development Community Secretariat in progressing its work and implementing its Strategic Plan to enhance national immigration and border ecosystems, contribute to international security, facilitate cross-border travel to support social and economic development, and create effective national immigration agencies. 11

IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 2025–2029MIGRATION

OUTLOOK FOR THE REGIONMIGRATION OUTLOOK FOR THE REGION For the Asia and the Pacific region, migration trends have evolved dramatically in recent decades. Since 2000, the number of individuals migrating from countries in the region has almost doubled. As at mid-2020, it was the main region of origin of international migrants, with an estimated 82 million coming from Asia and the Pacific. The region also received 42 million international migrants, of which 34.9 million were migrants from another Asia-Pacific country (42% of the 82 million international migrants originating from the region). The proportion of male and female migrants in Asia and the Pacific was roughly balanced at 50.4 per cent and 49.6 per cent, respectively, while individuals aged 19 years or under represented 14.7 per cent of the overall number of migrants in the region. In 2023, the region received USD 335 billion in remittance inflows – 40 per cent of the world’s total.

respectively, while individuals aged 19 years or under represented 14.7 per cent of the overall number of migrants in the region. In 2023, the region received USD 335 billion in remittance inflows – 40 per cent of the world’s total. Migration in the region is a dynamic, complex and diverse phenomenon driven by various factors, including labour-market demands, shifting demographics, ongoing conflict and the impact of climate change, which not only create new migration needs but also reshape existing patterns. Many economies in the region are reliant on migrant workers, and the region hosts 15 per cent of the total number of international migrants worldwide.1 Migration for employment remains the dominant form of cross-border mobility in the region. While the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions to labour markets, with losses equivalent to 8.8 per cent of global working hours or 255 million full-time jobs 2 recorded, the latest labour mobility trends reflect an increase in migrant stocks in major destination countries as sectors that were formerly employing large shares of migrant workers recover. 1 International Labour Organization data based on the International Labour Organization’s definition of Asia-Pacific States. 2 International Labour Organization, ILO Monitor: COVID-19 and the world of work. Seventh edition , (Geneva, ILO, 2021). The main migration dynamic in the region can be characterized by the desire for a better quality of life, with people migrating from countries with low per capita incomes, which typically have an abundant labour supply, to countries with high per capita incomes that require foreign labour owing to domestic shortages. The need for lower-skilled labour is not expected to decrease over at least the next five years, as forecasts of per capita income show that income differences between origin and destination countries are likely to persist. If managed well, this disparity could fuel mutually beneficial labour migration whereby lowskilled migrants would benefit from higher incomes, and their families from remittances, while countries of destination would have access to a skilled labour force

between origin and destination countries are likely to persist. If managed well, this disparity could fuel mutually beneficial labour migration whereby lowskilled migrants would benefit from higher incomes, and their families from remittances, while countries of destination would have access to a skilled labour force that supports economic growth. Safe migration is hindered by structural issues that dampen the overall developmental benefits. In the region, migrants face the highest global recruitment costs owing to poorly regulated sectors and complex immigration rules, impeding access to regular migration pathways. Continued irregular migration, discrimination and failure to protect migrant workers’ rights in some countries further undercut progress in this area. With over half of global modern slavery cases occurring in the region (15.1 million), forced labour and trafficking in persons are most common in the informal sector, where migrants are three times more likely to fall victim to exploitation in comparison to the national workforce. The absence of adequate, accessible and sufficient regular pathways in the region is a driver of irregular migration, as are the financial and administrative burdens to obtain legitimate identity and the travel documents necessary to enable cross-border mobility. 13 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 2025–2029Despite government efforts to strengthen the security of identity and travel documents, the production of fraudulent and counterfeited documents is still a key modus operandi of smuggling networks in the region. Smuggling networks also exploit border management gaps, especially at land and seaports, putting human and border security at serious risk. Innovation in visa and traveller screening and border control processes is being challenged by the implementation of new technologies by international organized crime networks. Untraceable forced returns put pressure on returning migrants and receiving countries, highlighting the need for international cooperation in return management and the implementation of readmission agreements compliant with international standards. As well as income differentials, the migration outlook of the region takes into consideration other drivers. For example, a key proportion of workforce shortages

returning migrants and receiving countries, highlighting the need for international cooperation in return management and the implementation of readmission agreements compliant with international standards. As well as income differentials, the migration outlook of the region takes into consideration other drivers. For example, a key proportion of workforce shortages over the coming years can be explained in terms of destination countries with progressively ageing populations (China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand). The number of people aged 65 years or over in the region is expected to reach 1.3 billion by 2050 – in Japan and the Republic of Korea, for example, about 40 per cent of the population will be aged 65 years or over by 2050. Humanitarian needs are escalating in the region owing to climate change-related disasters and long-standing displacement crises. The prevalence of complex, multilayered emergencies has increased, with climate change acting as a catalyst for more frequent catastrophic events and exacerbated humanitarian challenges in urban and informal settlements. These dynamics complicate response efforts, which are further hindered by funding deficits and logistical obstacles. Displacement trends in the region reflect a global increase over the past decade, driven by disasters, conflict, violence and the gradual impacts of climate change. Natural disasters, conflicts and socioeconomic crises are expected to compound the issues faced by the region, which is the most disaster-prone globally. It is estimated that, in 2024, there will be over 50 million people in need in the Asia and the Pacific region, a significant proportion of which is affected by the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. Migration challenges in the region include irregular movement patterns and significant protection risks. The effects of climate change will heavily impact countries in the Pacific and South and South-East Asia. Without urgent action to limit global warming, millions face potential displacement by 2030 owing to environmental changes such as sea-level rise and droughts. Such displacement would create socioeconomic struggles, heightened by existing

The effects of climate change will heavily impact countries in the Pacific and South and South-East Asia. Without urgent action to limit global warming, millions face potential displacement by 2030 owing to environmental changes such as sea-level rise and droughts. Such displacement would create socioeconomic struggles, heightened by existing vulnerabilities and inequalities. Although these challenges exist across all parts of the region, small island developing States will be acutely affected. The need for comprehensive migration policies is increasingly pressing, with Member States emphasizing the centrality of effective migration governance in addressing the region’s ongoing demographic changes and meeting its economic demands. 14 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 2025–2029STRATEGIC OBJECTIVESIOM will follow a clear, three-pronged approach to saving lives and protecting people on the move and will build on its substantial footprint to deliver faster and more efficient multisectoral humanitarian assistance by scaling up its capacity and expertise. Crucially, the Organization is broadening its focus on humanitarian assistance to include specific scenarios, such as fast-tracked border control in emergency situations. Such humanitarian border management approaches are governed by specific operational arrangements to enable both human safety and border security while preserving border crossings in instances when migrants are caught in countries when a crisis erupts. While the focus will be on expansion and better delivery, placing protection at the centre of humanitarian actions and ensuring quality operations will be equally prioritized. Placing protection at the heart of humanitarian actions requires a sustained commitment to adherence to standards through an integrated emergency response, as well as the navigation of complex emergencies with a protection lens to reduce the vulnerabilities of those on the move or who have moved. Ensuring high-quality operations is also vital for saving lives and protecting people. An intentional push towards localization through partnerships will not only add value but will also yield good results in the future, while engaging in policy and advocacy with governments will contribute

move or who have moved. Ensuring high-quality operations is also vital for saving lives and protecting people. An intentional push towards localization through partnerships will not only add value but will also yield good results in the future, while engaging in policy and advocacy with governments will contribute to bettering the humanitarian architecture of the region at large. IOM sees its humanitarian activities as forming an integral part of the humanitariandevelopment-peace nexus. IOM will respond to urgent crises with on-the-ground, life-saving assistance targeting ongoing protracted emergencies as well as new and unforeseen crises. Where possible, cash-based assistance will be utilized as a delivery modality, to ensure that populations in dire need of life-saving support receive crucial assistance that addresses basic needs and reduces vulnerabilities. The Organization’s regional rapid response teams will be on standby to provide technical and operational expertise for the effective provision of services and to establish or scale up responses. IOM is committed to delivering multisectoral assistance in real time that lays the groundwork for longer-term solutions and recovery. Specialized support will be factored into deployments, with the goal of ensuring that the quality of assistance is not compromised. In the region, IOM responds to cross-border movements where crisis-affected populations are spilling over into neighbouring countries. Integrated and humanitarian border management to complement emergency assistance for people on the move will be a key priority for the Organization. Cross-border flows often include mixed flows of migrants and refugees, the latter of which have additional challenges that need to be addressed in a coordinated way. IOM will leverage the close collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to address the complexities of mixed movement flows so as to ensure complementary pathways addressing the needs of both refugees and migrants travelling along the same routes. Beyond its field operations, IOM will continue its joint coordination efforts by engaging in advocacy efforts with host governments and regional entities to: promote a rights-oriented and route-based approach that emphasizes the protection of the needs of all

migrants travelling along the same routes. Beyond its field operations, IOM will continue its joint coordination efforts by engaging in advocacy efforts with host governments and regional entities to: promote a rights-oriented and route-based approach that emphasizes the protection of the needs of all mobile populations along migratory routes; establish safe pathways; implement border management practices that respect safety and dignity; and create solutions for vulnerable populations. Migrants living, working, studying, transiting or travelling in a country where a crisis occurs can be made suddenly vulnerable, requiring specialized assistance. The Organization is committed to the protection of migrants in crisis situations through the application of the Migrants in Countries in Crisis Initiative’s guidelines and principles, which cover the three phases of crisis preparedness, emergency response and post recovery. IOM will provide capacity development to States, civil society, the private sector and international organizations to aid the implementation of the Initiative. Priority 1: Saving lives and protecting people on the move 16 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 2025–2029IOM will focus on protection-sensitive assistance, adherence