OIM - Migration Governance Indicators Profile 2025 - Republic of Belarus de 2025

MIGRATION

GOVERNANCE INDICATORS REPUBLIC OF BELARUS | PROFILE 2025The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the report do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IOM concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries. IOM 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. _______________ While efforts have been taken to verify the accuracy of this information, neither Economist Impact nor its affiliates can accept any responsibility or liability for reliance by any person on this information.

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PUB2025/030/ELMIGRATION

GOVERNANCE

INDICATORS REPUBLIC OF BELARUS | PROFILE 2025CONTENTS OBJECTIVES // iv INTRODUCTION // 1

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK // 3

SUMMARY // 5

CONTEXT // 8

KEY FINDINGS // 11

ANNEXES // 26

KEY SOURCES // 32MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BELARUS PROFILE 2025 /// iv Objectives The MGIs aim to help governments, upon request, take stock of their migration policies and strategies to identify good practices and areas with potential for further development. The MGIs open dialogues with governments and other relevant stakeholders to identify priorities on the way forward. With a focus on government ownership of the process, the MGIs offer support at the national and local levels to gradually improve migration management systems.

OBJECTIVESINTRODUCTIONMIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BELARUS PROFILE 2025 ///

2 INTRODUCTION Migration has been part of the human experience throughout history, and we recognize that it is a source of prosperity, innovation and sustainable development in our globalized world, and that these positive impacts can be optimized by improving migration governance.1 The need to maximize the opportunities and to face the challenges that mobility brings has been recognized with the inclusion of migration in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and with the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. The incorporation of target 10.7 into the 2030 Agenda created the need to define “planned and well‐managed migration policies”. This is why, in 2015, the

the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. The incorporation of target 10.7 into the 2030 Agenda created the need to define “planned and well‐managed migration policies”. This is why, in 2015, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) developed the Migration Governance2 Framework (MiGOF). This Framework3 offers a concise view of an ideal approach that allows a State to determine what it might need to govern migration well and in a way that suits its circumstances. That same year, IOM in collaboration with Economist Impact developed the Migration Governance Indicators (MGIs), a standard set of almost 100 indicators that help States assess the comprehensiveness of their migration governance structures. The indicators constitute a starting point to engage governments in a consultative process that allows them to identify areas that are well developed and others that would benefit from further development, and most importantly priorities that are in line with the specific challenges and opportunities that a given country is facing. The MGIs are characterized by three main fundamental attributes:

1. The MGI process is a voluntary exercise: The MGIs are conducted in countries that have requested to be part of the process.

2. The MGIs are sensitive to national specificities: The MGIs recognize the different challenges and opportunities of each context, and therefore, do not propose a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather aim to spark a discussion on what well-governed migration can mean.

3. The MGIs constitute a process: The MGI process is not a static tool to collect data on countries’ migration frameworks. It is rather the first step of a dynamic exercise that can enable governments to identify areas of their migration policy in need of further development, or that could benefit from capacity-building.

The MGIs recognize that all countries have different realities, challenges and opportunities that relate to migration. Therefore, the MGIs do not rank countries on the design or implementation of their migration policies. Finally, the MGIs do not measure migration policy outcomes or institutional effectiveness. Instead, they take stock of the migration‐related policies in place and operate as a benchmarking framework that provides insights

Therefore, the MGIs do not rank countries on the design or implementation of their migration policies. Finally, the MGIs do not measure migration policy outcomes or institutional effectiveness. Instead, they take stock of the migration‐related policies in place and operate as a benchmarking framework that provides insights on policy measures that countries can consider as they further progress towards good migration governance. The launch of the MGI in Belarus was initiated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus and the process is supported by IOM, as well as other government stakeholders. To ensure a whole-of-government approach, an inter-agency group consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Economy and State Border Committee was established to lead the MGI process. Hence, the MGI for Belarus takes into account the National Strategy for Sustainable Development of Belarus, the Programme of Socioeconomic Development of Belarus and other State programmes, policies and frameworks to achieve sustainable development through migration. This country profile presents a summary of the well‐developed areas of the migration governance structures of Belarus, as well as the areas with potential for further development, as assessed by the MGIs.4 1 United Nations, Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (A/RES/73/195 of 11 January 2019), paragraph 8. 2 “Migration governance” refers to the system of institutions, legal frameworks, mechanisms, and practices aimed at regulating migration and protecting migrants. It is used almost synonymously with the term “migration management”, although the latter is also sometimes used to refer to the narrow act of regulating cross-border movement at the State level. 3 IOM Council, Migration Governance Framework, 106th Session, C/106/40 (4 November 2015), page 1, footnote 1. 4 The MGI initiative is a policy-benchmarking programme led by IOM and implemented with the support of Economist Impact. Funding is provided by IOM Member States.CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Conceptual Framework Not a ranking of countries Not an assessment of policy impacts Not prescriptive

4 The MGI initiative is a policy-benchmarking programme led by IOM and implemented with the support of Economist Impact. Funding is provided by IOM Member States.CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Conceptual Framework Not a ranking of countries Not an assessment of policy impacts Not prescriptive MGIs PRINCIPLES Which support the measurement of At the basis of MiGOF

OBJECTIVES

WHAT THEY ARE WHAT THEY ARE NOT IOM’s MiGOF sets out the essenƟal elements to support planned and well-managed migraƟon. It seeks to present, in a consolidated, coherent and comprehensive way, a set of three principles and three objecƟves which, if respected and fulfilled, would ensure that migraƟon is humane and orderly, and benefits migrants and society.

1. Adhere to international standards and fulfil migrants’ rights.

2. Formulate policy using evidence and a whole-of-government approach.

3. Engage with partners to address migration and related issues.

1. Advance the socioeconomic well-being of migrants and society.

2. Effectively address the mobility dimensions of crises.

3. Ensure that migration takes place in a safe, orderly and dignified manner.

A set of indicators that offers insights on policy levers that countries can use to strengthen their migraƟon governance structures A tool that idenƟfies good pracƟces and areas that could be further developed A consultaƟve process that advances dialogues on migraƟon governance by clarifying what “well-governed migraƟon” might look like in the context of SDG target 10.7 and the Global Compact for MigraƟon implementaƟon Note: “The Global Compact is framed in a way consistent with target 10.7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in which Member States committed to

of SDG target 10.7 and the Global Compact for MigraƟon implementaƟon Note: “The Global Compact is framed in a way consistent with target 10.7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in which Member States committed to cooperate internationally to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration.”MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BELARUS PROFILE 2025 /// 4 The MGIs consist of almost 100 indicators grouped under the six different dimensions of migration governance that draw upon the MiGOF categories: Indicators in this domain look at the extent to which migrants have access to certain social services such as health, education and social security. They look at family reunification, access to work, and access to residency and citizenship. The international conventions signed and ratified are also included. Indicators in this area assess countries’ institutional, legal and regulatory frameworks related to migration policies. This area also looks at the existence of national migration strategies that are in line with development objectives and overseas development efforts, as well as institutional transparency and coherence in relation to migration management. This category focuses on countries’ efforts to cooperate on migration‐related issues with other States and relevant non‐governmental actors, including civil society organizations and the private sector. Indicators in this area assess countries’ policies on the recognition of migrants’ educational and professional qualifications, provisions regulating student migration and the existence of bilateral labour agreements between countries. Aspects of diaspora engagement in the country of origin and migrant remittances are also under this domain. This category looks at the type and level of preparedness of countries when they are faced with mobility dimensions of crises. The questions look at the processes in place for nationals and non‐nationals in relation to disasters and climate change, including if humanitarian assistance is equally available to migrants as it is to citizens. This area looks at countries’ approach to migration management in terms of border control and enforcement policies, admission criteria for migrants, preparedness and resilience in the case of significant and unexpected migration flows, as well as the fight

if humanitarian assistance is equally available to migrants as it is to citizens. This area looks at countries’ approach to migration management in terms of border control and enforcement policies, admission criteria for migrants, preparedness and resilience in the case of significant and unexpected migration flows, as well as the fight against trafficking in persons.

MIGRANTS’

RIGHTS

PAGE 12

WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT

APPROACH

PAGE 15

PARTNERSHIPS

PAGE 17

WELL-BEING

OF MIGRANTS

PAGE 19

MOBILITY DIMENSION

OF CRISES

PAGE 21

SAFE, ORDERLY AND

REGULAR MIGRATION

PAGE 23MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BELARUS PROFILE 2025 ///

5

SUMMARY

SUMMARYMIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BELARUS PROFILE 2025 ///

6 SUMMARY SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Migrants’ rights Migrants in Belarus have varying levels of access to government-funded health care based on their residency status, as mandated by Law No. 2435-XII on Health Care (1993). Regular migrants have the same access to government-funded preschool, primary and secondary education as citizens; however, access to vocational education varies according to residency status. Permanent residents are entitled to social insurance under the same conditions as nationals, while migrants with temporary residency are required to make contributions to access benefits. Belarus has signed international agreements on the portability of social security measures with several countries. With some exceptions, permanent residents have access to employment under the same conditions as nationals. Employers are required to obtain a special permit for the right to hire temporary migrant workers in Belarus (hereinafter referred to as a special permit) from the regional and Minsk city divisions of citizenship and migration. These special permits are only issued when vacancies cannot be filled by citizens and foreigners permanently residing in Belarus. Exceptions to this procedure are granted for certain in-demand professions, such as professions annually determined by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Belarus before 1 February of the year following the expired calendar year. Foreign residents with proficiency in Belarusian or Russian in Belarus can apply for citizenship after residing continuously in the country for five years with a permanent residence permit. Areas with potential for further development include strengthening the legal framework to improve the rights of certain categories of migrants. Whole-of-government approach

Foreign residents with proficiency in Belarusian or Russian in Belarus can apply for citizenship after residing continuously in the country for five years with a permanent residence permit. Areas with potential for further development include strengthening the legal framework to improve the rights of certain categories of migrants. Whole-of-government approach The Department of Citizenship and Migration – established by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus on Issues of Internal Affairs Bodies, No. 268 (2004), which falls under the Ministry of Internal Affairs – is responsible for coordinating the implementation of national migration policy. The Migration Policy Concept of the Republic of Belarus for 2024–2028 (2024) sets the goals, objectives, principles and direction for State migration management in Belarus. This concept is aligned with the National Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Republic of Belarus for the Period up to 2035 (2020). The National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus (Belstat) conducts the national census every 10 years, and have incorporated extended block of migration-focused questions in the most recent census (2019). Areas with potential for further development include establishing a coordination body responsible for designing and coordinating the implementation of an overall migration policy or strategic plan, and a dedicated government agency responsible for enacting emigration and diaspora policy. Partnerships Belarus is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, which promotes labour mobility. Areas with potential for further development include the following: (a) establishing further memorandums of understanding related to migration with other origin or destination countries; and (b) formally engaging civil society organizations, the private sector and members of diaspora and expatriate communities in agenda‑setting and implementation of migration-related issues on a regular basis.MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BELARUS PROFILE 2025 /// 7 SUMMARY Well-being of migrants Since 2022, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has been providing analytical reviews of the economic situation and the labour market of Belarus on a quarterly basis, taking into account the impact of these aspects on external labour migration to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which uses these data to formulate migration policy.

Well-being of migrants Since 2022, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has been providing analytical reviews of the economic situation and the labour market of Belarus on a quarterly basis, taking into account the impact of these aspects on external labour migration to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which uses these data to formulate migration policy. There is an established procedure for recognizing foreign qualifications in Belarus. In addition, international students are allowed to work in Belarus after graduation and up to 20 hours per week while studying in the country without a special permit, as per an amendment to the Law on External Labour Migration that came into force on 1 July 2023. Belarus has some measures to protect the rights of migrant workers, as well as Belarusian citizens working abroad including legislation to oblige employers to cover the cost of a migrant worker’s departure if a contract is terminated due to the employer’s fault or if the permit is cancelled. Areas with potential for further development include the following: (a) participating in international schemes with common qualification frameworks; (b) establishing formal bilateral labour agreements; and (c) developing programmes to promote the creation of formal remittance schemes and the financial inclusion of migrants. Mobility dimension of crises Resolution No. 610 on the Procedure of Temporary Resettlement of the Population, Evacuation of Material and Historical-Cultural Values to Safe Areas (2008), overseen by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, outlines measures for managing displacement during emergencies. There is a comprehensive warning system for disseminating emergency signals, alarms and information to the public, government bodies and emergency response forces, using various communication channels, such as television, radio, mobile networks and loudspeakers. Safe, orderly and regular migration The State Border Committee is responsible for integrated border control and security. It implements State border policy and coordinates the activities of State bodies and other organizations in the field. In December 2024, Belarus announced the introduction of an electronic visa system for foreign visitors of 67 countries and territories, effective from 20 March 2025. Belarus includes the return of its emigrant citizens as a formal objective in its national migration policy.

border policy and coordinates the activities of State bodies and other organizations in the field. In December 2024, Belarus announced the introduction of an electronic visa system for foreign visitors of 67 countries and territories, effective from 20 March 2025. Belarus includes the return of its emigrant citizens as a formal objective in its national migration policy. The policy emphasizes the importance of reducing the outflow of citizens, preserving the country’s human resources and encouraging the return of Belarusians from abroad. The National Referral Mechanism for Victims of Human Trafficking provides suspected victims with access to rehabilitation services before they are officially classified as victims, covering forms of exploitation, such as slavery, forced labour and sex trafficking. Areas with potential for further development include providing specific training for border staff and internal affairs on a regular basis.CONTEXTMIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BELARUS PROFILE 2025 /// 9 CONTEXT Immigration to Belarus has decreased slightly over the past two decades.5 Figures from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) indicate that approximately 1.1 million international migrants were living in the country as of midyear 2020 (Figure 1), representing 11.3 per cent of the country’s total population. In 2020, there were more female than male immigrants living in Belarus, with female immigrants representing 54 per cent of all migrants (Figure 2). Belarus has also experienced decreasing emigration since 1990, with approximately 1.5 million Belarusian emigrants living around the world in 2020 (Figure 1). Most of these emigrants were female (58%) (Figure 2). Figures 3 and 4 show the most common origin and destination countries for migrants to and from Belarus in 2020. Most migrants living in Belarus came from the Russian Federation, making up 63 per cent of all migrants, followed by Ukraine and Kazakhstan. More than 50 per cent of emigrants from Belarus reside in the Russian Federation, followed by Ukraine and Poland. Figure 1. Stock of migrants for Belarus, 1990–2020 1M 1M 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8

migrants, followed by Ukraine and Kazakhstan. More than 50 per cent of emigrants from Belarus reside in the Russian Federation, followed by Ukraine and Poland. Figure 1. Stock of migrants for Belarus, 1990–2020 1M 1M 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 1990 2000 2010 2020 Millions of persons Emigrants Immigrants

Source: DESA Population Division (2020), International migrant stock 2020. POP/DB/MIG/Stock/Rev.2020.

Figure 2. Proportion of migrants for Belarus by sex, 2020 42% 58% 54% 46% Immigrants Emigrants 50% 2020 2020

Male Female Source: DESA Population Division (2020), International migrant stock 2020. POP/DB/MIG/Stock/Rev.2020. 5 Visit the Migration Data Portal for more information.MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BELARUS PROFILE 2025 ///

10 CONTEXT Figure 3. Countries of origin of migrants in Belarus, 2020 63% 21% 6.5% 1.6% 1.4% 6.7% Others Uzbekistan Lithuania Kazakhstan Ukraine Russian Federation 0 20 40 60

Source: DESA Population Division (2020), International migrant stock 2020. POP/DB/MIG/Stock/Rev.2020.

Figure 4. Countries of destination for migrants from Belarus, 2020 51% 17% 6.8% 4.9% 3.5% 17% Others United States Kazakhstan Poland Ukraine Russian Federation 0 20 40 60

Source: DESA Population Division (2020), International migrant stock 2020. POP/DB/MIG/Stock/Rev.2020.

Data from the World Bank show that in 2020, outbound remittances were sent from Belarus at a value of approximately USD 240 million while inbound remittances were received to a value of approximately

Data from the World Bank show that in 2020, outbound remittances were sent from Belarus at a value of approximately USD 240 million while inbound remittances were received to a value of approximately USD 1 billion (Figure 5). Figure 5. Inbound and outbound remittances for Belarus, 1990–2020

USD 2B

USD 1B

USD 500M

USD 0 1990 2000 2010 2020 Inbound remittances Outbound remittances USD 1B USD 240M Source: World Bank Open Data, Personal remittances, paid (current USD).MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BELARUS PROFILE 2025 /// 11

KEY FINDINGS

FINDINGS

KEYMIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BELARUS PROFILE 2025 ///

12

KEY FINDINGS

ADHERE TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND FULFILMENT OF MIGRANTS’ RIGHTS 1.1. International conventions ratified Table 1. Signature and ratification of international conventions Convention name Ratified (Year) International Labour Organization (ILO) Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 97) No United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (also known as the Refugee Convention), 1951 Yes (2001) United Nations conventions on statelessness, 1954 and 1961 No ILO Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143) No Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989 Yes (1990) International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, 1990 No 1.2. Migration governance: examples of well-developed areas Migrants in Belarus have varying levels of access to government-funded health-care based on their residency status. Law No. 2435-XII on Health Care (1993), implemented by the Ministry of Health, grants foreign citizens and stateless persons with permanent residency the same rights as Belarusian citizens to free medical

Migrants in Belarus have varying levels of access to government-funded health-care based on their residency status. Law No. 2435-XII on Health Care (1993), implemented by the Ministry of Health, grants foreign citizens and stateless persons with permanent residency the same rights as Belarusian citizens to free medical care funded by the State based on minimum social standards (Article 5). Temporary foreign residents are required to pay for their own medical expenses, unless covered by international treaties to which Belarus is a signatory or by a separate legal entity, such as a company where they are employed. However, all migrants, regardless of their residency status, have access to emergency medical services for life-threatening conditions. For citizens of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Agreement on the Provision of Medical Care to Citizens of the Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States (1997) grants free emergency care in Belarus for life-threatening conditions, while routine care is covered by employers or the individuals themselves.6 Regular migrants have the same access to government-funded preschool, general secondary and secondary specialized education as citizens. Law No. 154-3 on Amendments to the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Education (2022) guarantees equal educational rights for foreign citizens and stateless persons permanently residing in Belarus, as well as those with refugee status, asylum status, minor foreign citizens, stateless persons and those temporarily residing in Belarus or seeking refugee status or complementary protection 6 The Government of Belarus also has agreements with the following: (a) Ministry of Health of Viet Nam in 2002, which provides citizens of Viet Nam in Belarus with emergency medical assistance necessary for safe return to Viet Nam and routine care at national public health-care rates; (b) Government of Turkmenistan (2014), which ensures mutual provision of free emergency medical aid and automatic renewal every five years; and (c) Ministry of Health of the Syrian Arab Republic (2016), which facilitates cooperation in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, excluding health-care services. More information is available on this Procedure for Providing Medical Assistance to Foreign Citizens.MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BELARUS PROFILE 2025 /// 13

KEY FINDINGS

which facilitates cooperation in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, excluding health-care services. More information is available on this Procedure for Providing Medical Assistance to Foreign Citizens.MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BELARUS PROFILE 2025 /// 13

KEY FINDINGS

(Article 3(5)). It also provides grants, funded by the national budget, to support foreign citizens and stateless persons residing outside Belarus in pursuing higher or specialized secondary education and educational programmes for preparing individuals for admission to educational institutions of Belarus in State institutions of higher and secondary specialized education (Article 1(2)). According to rule 2 of the Rules for Admitting Persons to Receive Vocational Education No. 497 (2022), permanent residents, refugees and citizens of specific countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation and Tajikistan) can access State-funded education, while temporary residents must pay for vocational studies. As per rule 7, foreign applicants must submit various documents, including educational certificates, medical reports, a valid visa, compulsory health insurance and proof of identity. In Belarus, migrants with permanent residency are entitled to social insurance under the same conditions as nationals. Article 10 of Law No. 105-3 on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Republic of Belarus (2010) regulates social protection for migrants. Other legal frameworks, such as the Constitution of Belarus (2004), the Law on State Benefits for Families Raising Children (2012) and the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) (2014), explain that migrants with permanent residency status have access to various benefits, such as sick pay, maternity pay, family benefits and caregiver’s benefits, through a scheme that involves their employers (or themselves, when carrying out entrepreneurial activities) making contributions to the State social insurance system. Pensions are available only to Belarusian citizens, perm