OIM -Migration Policy Insights 2024 in Focus - Towards policy excellence for transformative change

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Required citation: International Organization for Migration (IOM) (2025). Migration Policy Insights: 2024 in Focus - Towards policy excellence for transformative change. IOM, Geneva. _____________________________

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PUB2025/073/R International Organization for Migration 17 r oute des Morillons P.

O. Box 17 1211 Gene va 19

Swit zerland T el .: +41 22 717 9111

Fa x: +41 22 798 6150

International Organization for Migration 17 r oute des Morillons P.

O. Box 17 1211 Gene va 19

Swit zerland T el .: +41 22 717 9111

Fa x: +41 22 798 6150

Email: hq@iom.int

Website: www.iom.intFOREWORD Migration is a defining topic of our time, shaping, and in turn being shaped by, a world in flux. As rising displacement, demographic shifts, technological innovation, climate-induced disasters, and complex geopolitical dynamics continue to make their mark on the world around us, the role and importance that migration and migrants play in our increasingly complex and interconnected societies is only growing. With approximately 304 million international migrants worldwide in 2024, one thing is certain – we cannot afford to overlook the importance of sound evidence-based and forwardlooking policies that can help ensure that migration is governed in a way that maximizes the potential of migrants to contribute to the stability and prosperity of the societies that welcome them.

This Migration Policy Insights: 2024 in Focus report offers a snapshot into how migration policy landscapes evolved across the globe in 2024. It underscores how governments, regional bodies, and international partners working closely with IOM on policy, dialogue and cooperation are navigating today’s challenges while laying the groundwork for future resilience. Whether through comprehensive national migration policies or strengthened regional cooperation, the examples highlighted in these pages reflect a commitment on the part of those governments to coherent, rights-based and whole-of-society approaches to migration governance.

From Palau to Albania, from East Africa to the Pacific, 2024 was a year marked by progress, innovation and collaboration in policy. For IOM, supporting governments as a trusted advisor, convenor and implementer on migration and human mobility policy is an integral and growing part of our mandate and role as the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. At the heart of these efforts lies IOM’s Policy Agenda. Closely

For IOM, supporting governments as a trusted advisor, convenor and implementer on migration and human mobility policy is an integral and growing part of our mandate and role as the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. At the heart of these efforts lies IOM’s Policy Agenda. Closely aligned with the IOM Strategic Plan, the Policy Agenda is our internal framework to champion a more strategic, joined-up and proactive approach to supporting governments on policy. We help governments to reflect on and interpret evolving migration dynamics, articulate goals for change and chart the pathways to achieve them. The policy and legal frameworks that emerge form the foundation for coherent and impactful action for improved migration governance. It is my hope that this report will inspire deeper engagement, greater ambition and renewed momentum in our collective efforts to make migration work today and for generations to come. Ugochi Daniels IOM Deputy Director General for Operations 3CONTENTS Migration Policy in 2024 ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 IOM’s Policy Agenda: A strategic, joined-up and proactive approach to policy ...................................... 7 IOM’s Policy Impact in 2024 .............................................................................................................................................. 8 Highlights ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Policy Support on Issues in Focus in 2024 ............................................................................................................... 10 Climate change and human mobility .......................................................................................................................... 10 Internal displacement ......................................................................................................................................................... 11 Diasporas ................................................................................................................................................................................ 12 Supporting Policy Solutions Globally: Case Studies from 2024 ................................................................. 13 Asia and the Pacific ............................................................................................................................................................. 13 East, Horn and Southern Africa ................................................................................................................................... 15 Europe and Central Asia .................................................................................................................................................. 17 Latin America and the Caribbean ................................................................................................................................ 19 Middle East and North Africa ........................................................................................................................................ 21 West and Central Africa .................................................................................................................................................. 22 ACRONYMS CARICOM Caribbean Community COP Conference of the Parties EAC East African Community GDPA Global Diaspora Policy Alliance IDPs Internally Displaced Person IOM International Organization for Migration MGI Migration Governance Indicators NAP National Adaptation Plan

ACRONYMS CARICOM Caribbean Community COP Conference of the Parties EAC East African Community GDPA Global Diaspora Policy Alliance IDPs Internally Displaced Person IOM International Organization for Migration MGI Migration Governance Indicators NAP National Adaptation Plan NDCs Nationally Determined Contributions NHIC National Health Insurance Company of Moldova NoLEM Network of Legal Experts on Migration for West and Central Africa RCP Regional Consultative Process on Migration SADC Southern African Development Community UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 4 5MIGRATION POLICY IN 2024 Migration, in its various forms, touches countries and societies the world over. In 2024, there were approximately 304 million international migrants worldwide, nearly double that of 1990.1 The number of people who were displaced, both across and within international borders, also continued to rise.2 Ongoing geopolitical, environmental, social, economic and technological transformations including conflicts, climateinduced disasters, and changing labour markets continued to shape who migrates, where, and how, as well as the impact of their movements. At the same time, migration has continued to shape societies and drive development. Remittances reached an estimated USD 905 billion globally in 2024 3 and migration and migrants were high on the agenda in many of the over 70 elections that took place around the world throughout the year. These dynamics underline not only the scale of human mobility, but also the importance of effective governance and collective action. Safe, orderly and regular migration has emerged as a global strategic asset. It is driving human development around the globe. However, in a world grappling with conflicts, disasters and economic fragility, human mobility has become increasingly complex and ever more contentious. This underlines the need for governance systems and structures to effectively manage migration, to navigate uncertainty and plan for the long term. Sound migration policies and laws are central to strengthening migration governance. They will continue to be in the future, as the opportunities migration presents are ever-more necessary and the challenges associated with migration become increasingly complex. Policy

underlines the need for governance systems and structures to effectively manage migration, to navigate uncertainty and plan for the long term. Sound migration policies and laws are central to strengthening migration governance. They will continue to be in the future, as the opportunities migration presents are ever-more necessary and the challenges associated with migration become increasingly complex. Policy and legal frameworks provide a long-term, coherent, rights-based and evidence-based framework to manage how migration happens and with what impact. States around the world have already recognized this in the 2030 Agenda and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Guided by the Policy Agenda, this report highlights the extent of IOM’s support to develop policy and legislation to better govern migration at the subnational, national and regional levels. T ogether, the figures and case studies presented in this report also attest to the impact IOM has in supporting governments to govern migration more effectively and in pursuit of sustainable development. During 2024 numerous countries developed new migration policies, such as Palau4 and Albania5. Regional bodies also strengthened cross-border cooperation and regional partnerships, including in East Africa6 and the Pacific7. These efforts are of paramount importance as the international community gears up for the second International Migration Review Forum in 2026, and lay the foundations for programmatic and operational interventions that make for tangible change in the lives of migrants and the societies that host them the world over. 1 United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), International Migrant Stock 2024: Key Facts and Figures (UN DESA/ POP/2024/DC/NO.13, 2024). 2 Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024 (Geneva, IDMC, 2024). 3 The World Bank, Remittances , website (2024). 4 International Organization for Migration (IOM), Palau to develop its first-ever migration policy with IOM support , website (2024). 5 IOM, Supporting the Development and Implementation of a New National Strategy on Migration and Action Plan in Albania , (2024).

3 The World Bank, Remittances , website (2024). 4 International Organization for Migration (IOM), Palau to develop its first-ever migration policy with IOM support , website (2024). 5 IOM, Supporting the Development and Implementation of a New National Strategy on Migration and Action Plan in Albania , (2024). 6 IOM, East Africa Community regional bloc adopts 5-year migration action plan with support from IOM, website (2024). 7 IOM, IOM’s Support to Labour Mobility in the Pacific (Bangkok, IOM Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, 2024). IOM’S POLICY AGENDA: A STRATEGIC, JOINED-UP AND PROACTIVE APPROACH TO POLICY IOM works closely with governments around the world to support the development of migration policy and legislation. As the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration, IOM is at the forefront of multilateral dialogue on migration. It brings together States and other stakeholders to facilitate policy dialogue and cooperation, share experiences, foster partnerships, enhance institutional capacities and align efforts across different actors and levels of governance. The Organization leverages its worldwide presence, expertise, resources and established partnerships into steering conversations on migration policy through insightful, evidence-informed and sound policy advice. IOM’s global convenor role and the influence it has on multilateral dialogue directly informs its technical and advisory work with governments to strengthen migration governance by supporting the development of regional, national and local migration policies and laws. More specifically, IOM supports Member States to develop migration policies and laws that are evidence and rights-based, and grounded in whole-ofgovernment and whole-of-society approaches. IOM’s efforts on this front are guided by its Policy Agenda, which is a multi-year initiative aligned with IOM’s Strategic Plan to make IOM more strategic, joined-up and proactive in this vital area of work. This enables IOM to more effectively mobilize frameworks and capacities, including through the leveraging of flagship IOM tools and initiatives like the MGI programme.

with IOM’s Strategic Plan to make IOM more strategic, joined-up and proactive in this vital area of work. This enables IOM to more effectively mobilize frameworks and capacities, including through the leveraging of flagship IOM tools and initiatives like the MGI programme. © IOM 2023 / Lucas Chandellier

6IOM’S POLICY

IMPACT IN 2024

In 2024, IOM continued to leverage its global presence and role as a policy advisor and key partner to governments and regional actors in supporting the development of policy and legislation. IOM supported migration-relevant policy and legislation in over 115 countries. Map 1: IOM’s Policy Engagement - Data for 2024

Source: © FreeVectorMap Note: This map is for illustration purposes only. The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the International Organization for Migration. Thematic distribution reflects the number of policy initiatives supported in 2024. It does not indicate institutional priorities. The Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) are IOM’s flagship assessment tool on migration governance. The IOM Development Fund is a key enabler of IOM’s policy support to governments, providing seed funding to developing Member States to help strengthen migration management and policy capacity

98POLICY SUPPORT ON

ISSUES IN FOCUS IN 2024

In 2024, IOM provided significant support to the policy and governance efforts of governments and regional bodies to address the human mobility aspects of climate change, internal displacement and diasporas. These issues were identified based on emerging trends and where IOM’s engagement could generate the most impact. CLIMATE CHANGE AND HUMAN MOBILITY In 2024, IOM continued to shape the global discourse on climate change and human mobility, advocating for a stronger recognition of migration across key policy processes on migration and climate. At COP29, human mobility featured across eight of the negotiation tracks, marking significant progress in better linking human mobility to climate action. The New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance and the Global Goal

mobility, advocating for a stronger recognition of migration across key policy processes on migration and climate. At COP29, human mobility featured across eight of the negotiation tracks, marking significant progress in better linking human mobility to climate action. The New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance and the Global Goal on Adaptation tracks included migrants in their conclusions, opening-up new avenues for countries to seek climate finance for programming related to human mobility. IOM also played a key role in supporting the COP29 Presidency, contributing to the development of the Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience, the Baku Guiding Principles on Human Development for Climate Resilience, and the Baku Call for Climate Action for Peace, Relief, and Recovery , giving significant visibility to migration in the Presidency action agenda. Finally, the climate mobility community was more visible than ever at COP29, with IOM engaging in high-level events, and 24 fully funded IOM youth delegates bringing new momentum and new perspectives to the discussions. Alongside its advocacy efforts, IOM advanced key technical policy work to support governments in addressing climate-related mobility. Since 2021, IOM has supported more than 37 countries with the mainstreaming of human mobility into NAPs. In collaboration with UNHCR and ILO, IOM finalized the Technical guide on integrating human mobility and climate change linkages into relevant national climate change planning processes, which was officially adopted as a UNFCCC product and launched at COP29. In 2024, this work translated into direct support to governments across diverse contexts. In the Republic of Moldova, IOM worked with authorities to integrate human mobility considerations into the National Climate Change Adaptation Programme until 2030 and the National Strategy for Agricultural and Rural Development 2023–2030, together constituting the second NAP of the Republic of Moldova. In Palau, IOM initiated support in 2024 to mainstream human mobility into the country’s NAP, providing technical assessments, facilitating community consultations, and preparing an analytical report as input into the plan. This work is continuing into 2025.

initiated support in 2024 to mainstream human mobility into the country’s NAP, providing technical assessments, facilitating community consultations, and preparing an analytical report as input into the plan. This work is continuing into 2025. Furthermore, with the next round of NDCs coming up in 2025, IOM supported over 25 countries with integrating human mobility considerations into their NDCs 3.0 in 2024, accelerating its efforts going into 2025. INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT In 2024, IOM contributed to the collective efforts led by the Office of the Special Adviser on Solutions to support governments in their work to resolve internal displacement at scale. This resulted in the launch of new government-led solutions strategies in eight countries to support 11.7 million IDPs on solutions pathways (Central African Republic, Colombia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Libya, Mozambique, Nigeria and Somalia). IOM further supported government-led efforts in 28 countries to develop strategies, policies and action plans for prevention and solutions to internal displacement. IOM’s solutions operations aim to support IDPs and host communities throughout the displacement cycle. IOM undertakes a range of programmes which contribute to solutions, addressing the needs of IDPs themselves and the impacted communities in which they reside. In 2024, IOM reached a total of 1,705,359 IDPs in 27 countries through these programmes, aligned with the 2010 Inter-Agency Standing Committee Framework on Durable Solutions. 10 11DIASPORAS In 2024, IOM and the Government of Cabo Verde co-organized the International Conference on the Future Agenda of Action for Global Diaspora Engagement, during which the GDPA was officially launched. The event convened government representatives, diaspora groups, and international organizations, featuring insightful discussions, high-level panels, and strategic partnerships, paving the way for a stronger global diaspora network. The GDPA fosters multi-stakeholder collaboration, empowering diaspora communities to contribute fully to sustainable development. Under the overall GDPA framework, IOM co-developed two strategic policy reports

discussions, high-level panels, and strategic partnerships, paving the way for a stronger global diaspora network. The GDPA fosters multi-stakeholder collaboration, empowering diaspora communities to contribute fully to sustainable development. Under the overall GDPA framework, IOM co-developed two strategic policy reports on Health Innovation through Diaspora Engagement: Talent, Partners and Allies and Empowering Diaspora Voices: Inclusive Strategies and Global Impact promoting collaborative, inclusive, and evidence-based approaches to harness the full potential of diaspora engagement. IOM recently gathered stakeholders in Helsinki to celebrate the conclusion of the MIDA FINNSOM Health Project in Somaliland and Puntland regions of Somalia, a flagship initiative that has run for 16 years. Led by IOM and supported by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, the programme has strengthened the capacity of government institutions and improved service delivery for the Somali population through the expertise of highly qualified Somali diaspora professionals. T o date, the project has deployed 230 diaspora experts across 50 health and education institutions, including hospitals, academic institutions, and ministries nationwide. As a result, more than 8,000 health and education professionals have benefited from the skills and knowledge shared by these experts.

SUPPORTING POLICY

SOLUTIONS GLOBALLY:

CASE STUDIES FROM 2024

In 2024, IOM successfully implemented migration policy projects across all regions 8 worldwide, demonstrating the Organization’s commitment to advancing good migration governance. The following case studies9 highlight selected examples of these efforts from different IOM regions over the past year. ASIA AND THE PACIFIC In 2024, IOM advised the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat for the development of the Pacific Regional Labour Mobility Principles (PRLMP), in partnership with the ILO and Pacer Plus. Building on existing international labour standards and commitments, and adopting a contextualized Pacific Lens and migrant-centric approach, the principles will seek to re-shape current narratives around migration in the Pacific to better address the ongoing and emerging challenges facing labour mobility in the region.

existing international labour standards and commitments, and adopting a contextualized Pacific Lens and migrant-centric approach, the principles will seek to re-shape current narratives around migration in the Pacific to better address the ongoing and emerging challenges facing labour mobility in the region. At the country level, IOM supported the governments of several Pacific Island Countries with the development, revision and implementation of policies. Efforts included support for the development of a national migration policy and a labour policy in Fiji, an implementation plan for a national reintegration strategy in Tuvalu, and the review of a labour migration policy in Vanuatu. In South Asia, IOM supported Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Nepal in developing key national policies on trafficking, migrant health and labour migration. In Nepal, IOM assisted the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security in drafting and organizing a series of consultations on the National Labour Migration Policy. The policy comprehensively addresses the entire cycle of labour migration, diaspora engagement, and the regulation of foreign migrants in Nepal. It is currently under review by the Cabinet. 8 Regions as defined by IOM’s administrative structure. See IOM’s regional offices and country coverage for more information . 9 Several initiatives highlighted in this report were supported through the IOM Development Fund, which provides seed funding to enable policy development and strengthen migration management and policy capacity. Projects in the following countries and regions featured in this report were supported by the IOM Development Fund: Albania, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Fiji, Jordan, Maldives, Moldova, Nepal, Saint Lucia, Sri Lanka, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, East Africa (East African Community). © IOM 2024 / Lucas Chandellier 12 13In Sri Lanka, IOM supported key national efforts on climate-related migration human trafficking. In July 2024, IOM and the Ministry of Environment launched a road map to integrate climate induced human mobility into related national policies and programmes. Based on IOM data insights and mutli-stakeholder consultations, the road map focuses on addressing climate mobility as a cross-cutting development priority, with emphasis on socioeconomic, environmental and gender dimensions. In addition, IOM is leveraging

integrate climate induced human mobility into related national policies and programmes. Based on IOM data insights and mutli-stakeholder consultations, the road map focuses on addressing climate mobility as a cross-cutting development priority, with emphasis on socioeconomic, environmental and gender dimensions. In addition, IOM is leveraging its role as a policy advisor to provide technical support to the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, chaired by the Ministry of Defence to develop the National Strategic Action Plan 2026–2030. This strategic framework aims to strengthen national efforts in monitoring, preventing, and responding to human trafficking. IOM played an important role in supporting the development and implementation of the National Migration Health Policy of the Maldives, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable and resilient health system. This policy marks a significant milestone in addressing the health needs of migrants, who represent nearly one-fourth of the country’s population, while preserving the Maldives’ hard-won public health achievements. In South-East Asia, IOM worked with government partners in Indonesia and Bangladesh to advance critical migration policy efforts. In Indonesia, IOM supported the integration of migration into key national policies and regulations as well as advancing Global Compact for Migration implementation and supporting the establishment of the United Nations Network on Migration in Indonesia. Building on insights from an MGI assessment in Bangladesh, IOM collaborated with the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare to initiate a National Reintegration Policy. The policy was drafted through multi-stakeholder consultations with government counterparts, civil society, partners and returnees. EAST, HORN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA IOM supported the EAC with technical policy advice in development of a regional Labour Migration Policy. IOM also provided technical and financial support in the development of the EAC’s Diaspora Policy. These regional economic community policies will serve as benchmarks to harmonize the labour migration policies and diaspora policies for each of the Member States, contributing to policy coherence and good migration governance across the EAC. IOM further supported the establishment of the EAC RCP and adopted its Action

policies will serve as benchmarks to harmonize the labour migration policies and diaspora policies for each of the Member States, contributing to policy coherence and good migration governance across the EAC. IOM further supported the establishment of the EAC RCP and adopted its Action Plan in 2024. The RCP will facilitate the operationalization of the Free Movement of Persons, Workers and Services provisions within the EAC Treaty and the EAC Common Market Framework, providing a platform where migration-related matters will be extensively discussed at the technical and policy level. Further, through the Regional Ministerial Forum on Migration, IOM convened government officials from 11 Member States in the East and Horn of Africa (Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, the Sudan, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania) to exchange on best practices and mutual challenges in labour migration governance. Working closely with Ethiopia as chair of the Forum, IOM played an important role in fostering policy dialogue and cooperation on complex migration issues, across neighbouring States in the region. Additionally, the SADC reviewed the implementation of its Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons, reinforcing regional cooperation on mobility. SADC also became the first Regional Economic Community to align Global Compact reporting with its Regional Migration Policy Framework, harmonizing objectives, data systems and policy tools to strengthen rights-based and development-oriented migration governance across Member States. In 2024, IOM supported Uganda in developing a comprehensive diaspora policy aimed at enhancing a sustainable approach to harnessing the potential contributions of the dias