ICMPD has, since its inception, been deeply involved in the creation and development of informal and flexible consultative structures among migration officials in sending, transit and receiving States with a view to preventing irregular migration and thus creating the conditions for legal migration. In 2002-2003, ICMPD explored the possibilities for such an informal dialogue dealing with issues related to transit migration through the Mediterranean region in the framework of the project "Establishing of inter-governmental dialogue on migration issues in the Mediterranean region", partly funded by the European Commission. The results of this exploratory phase exceeded expectations and participating states called for a continuation of this fruitful dialogue. Through the decision of the participating states the Dialogue on Mediterranean Transit Migration (MTM) was established and ICMPD requested to serve as its Secretariat.

The MTM dialogue involves numerous participants from Arab Partner States (APS) and European Partner States (EPS) as well as various relevant observers. The dialogue follows guiding principles which are intergovernmental, informal and state-driven. Moreover, the MTM Dialogue aims at supporting current efforts undertaken at international, regional and sub-regional level in Africa, the Near East and Europe (policy context).

Since the Alexandria Consultations in 2003 the Dialogue on Mediterranean Transit Migration is built on two pillars. The first one focuses on enhancing operational co-operation to combat illegal migration or, in other terms, on shorter-term measures to address irregular flows. The second pillar deals with a longer-term perspective by focusing on addressing the root causes of irregular flows through development co-operation and a better joint management of migration. These pillars are used as frameworks for the implementation of specific projects but cross-pillar projects are also put in place.

The MTM Dialogue has three working languages: Arabic, English and French.