Baghdad, Iraq: Migration management remains a key priority for the Government of Iraq, as the administration struggles with complex issues related to the prevention of irregular migration, migrant smuggling and human trafficking. The government is also addressing the need to achieve sustainable reintegration of those returning to their communities in Iraq, as well as maximising the development potential of migration including through a better, streamlined engagement with Iraqis abroad.

ICMPD works closely with the Ministry of Migration and Displacement (MOMD), and with other relevant ministries in Iraq, to support ongoing efforts to address existing challenges and advance migration management systems and structures. Expert support towards the development of the “National Policy for Engagement with Iraqis Abroad” is one of the elements of this support and cooperation.

Going forward, ICMPD will be supporting the capacity building of MOMD focusing on the long-term reintegration of returnees back into their communities. To complement the existing livelihood efforts, cooperation with the private sector will be explored to boost employment prospects of returning migrants. Enhancing access to employment and jobs is one of the key strategies towards achieving sustainable reintegration.

An ICMPD Delegation from the Silk Routes Regional Coordination Office in Vienna visited Baghdad, Iraq, from 5-11 June 2021 to discuss ongoing efforts as well as to establish a vision for the future with Iraqi counterparts. The visit formed part of the Silk Routes Regional Coordination Office’s continued implementation in the country and focused on establishing new partnerships with national and international stakeholders.

In the light of the Covid-19 pandemic and its negative impact on Iraq – especially in terms of migration governance – the visit served to address the migration challenges faced by the Government of Iraq. In particular, and during meetings with the senior management of the Ministries of Migration and Displaced, Interior, Planning and Social & Labour Affairs, (post-Covid-19) migration trends and priorities were communicated to ICMPD.

During the visit, the Government requested immediate support, inter alia, in the following areas:

• continued support towards the National Policy on Engagement with Iraqis Abroad and its implementation;
• long-term support towards return and reintegration of Iraqis returning to Iraq;
• sustainable solutions and programmatic intervention towards integrated border management;
• awareness raising of local and foreign workers in Iraq (with a primary focus on bilateral coordination between countries of origin); and
• sustainable efforts to promote a whole-of-government approach towards migration governance in Iraq (i.e. better coordination between ministries, enhanced capacity building, and prioritisation of thematic interventions).

The work of ICMPD in Iraq is funded by the European Union, Austria, Denmark, Norway and Switzerland.