International Organization for Migration (Armenia)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration. IOM has 156 Member States and 10 Observer States. IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people. The IOM Constitution recognizes the link between migration and economic, social and cultural development, as well as to the right of freedom of movement. IOM works in the four broad areas of migration management: (i) Migration and development; (ii) Facilitating migration; (iii) Regulating migration; and (iv) Addressing Forced migration. IOM activities that cut across these areas include the promotion of international migration law, policy debate and guidance, protection of migrants’ rights, migration health and the gender dimension of migration.

As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

IOM in Armenia

The Republic of Armenia became an IOM Member State in 1993. IOM activities in the country are grounded on a number of official documents signed with the Armenian Government, including “Cooperation Agreement on Privileges and Immunities” (1994) and “Memorandum of Understanding” (2001). As an intergovernmental organization, the IOM in Armenia works closely with the Armenian Government and implements projects prioritised by the latter. The IOM Mission was opened in Yerevan in 1993.

IOM has operated in Armenia for the last twenty years and has played an important part in reforms of migration management in Armenia through extensive capacity building, advising and shaping policy, research, technical assistance, public awareness as well as direct assistance to various categories of migrants.

All of IOM’s activities promote the concept of safe migration through information campaigns, vocational training for students at boarding schools, and capacity building of border guards and raised awareness of the mobile populations that are vulnerable to health issues.

With IOM’s active involvement, bases are been provided for bilateral labour agreements between Armenia and destination countries (including in Europe) with the aim of enabling an environment for circular migration of Armenian workers. This is done in parallel with facilitating policy dialogue on aligning national legislation with EU acquis on migration and strengthening capacities of Armenian institutions responsible for readmission of returning Armenian nationals. At the same time national capacities in migration data collection, analysis and policy are being strengthened to enhance effectiveness of the migration management and promoting standards of personal data protection.