ICMPD convened government counterparts of its Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) to advance cooperation and coordinated responses to emerging migration trends and challenges; including legal migration pathways, reducing irregular migration, and supporting the integration of returnees. At the meetings, the European Union called on participating governments to ensure long-term sustainability for their MRCs, in the service of migrants and returnees.
Under the EU-funded PROTECT and other projects supporting the MRC in various countries, ICMPD hosted its third Regional Exchange Meeting and Training for MRCs Government Counterparts on 27-29 May in Astana, Kazakhstan. The event gathered government representatives from Bangladesh, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with observers from Kazakhstan, to foster stronger ownership on programmes in migration management. Discussions centred on aligning national efforts with the priorities of the Budapest Process and Prague Process in Central Asia and South Asian countries; and on strengthening partnerships with ICMPD and the EU.
“The EU is proud to support the work of MRCs across the Silk Route and Central Asia, which have grown into dynamic, multi-purpose institutions at the heart of national migration systems. By providing accurate, practical information to migrants and returnees, promoting regular labour mobility, and countering disinformation, the MRCs play a vital role in protecting migrants and empowering communities. As we look to the future, we strongly encourage governments to institutionalise these centres to ensure their long-term sustainability, foster national ownership, and preserve the valuable capacities built over the years for the benefit of migrants and society as a whole,” Dr Johannes Baur, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation in Kazakhstan, said in his opening remarks.
Key discussions at the regional exchange and trainings focused on sustainability strategies, exploring approaches to ensure long-term viability through institutional ownership. The event also aimed to establish platforms for dialogue and knowledge exchange, facilitated the sharing of good practices, addressed common operational challenges, and focused on deepening government engagement in MRC operations. Multi-purpose MRCs were also discussed, with emphasis on expanding services to meet emerging migrant needs and aligning with each country’s migration priorities.
The 360° approach was especially highlighted as a comprehensive model for supporting migrants throughout the migration cycle: from pre-departure to reintegration in their home communities. At the sessions on sustainable reintegration, countries shared their experiences on innovation in supporting returning migrants; while discussions on the diversification of labour markets explored how MRCs facilitate access to new job markets through skills mapping and employment matching.
Participants also received targeted training on EU labour migration pathways, including guidance on relevant directives, sector demands, and using the “Legal Pathways” interactive tool. A session on holistic communication strategies equipped participants with tools for effective, audience-specific messaging on safe migration and ethical recruitment. These sessions strengthened their capacities to contribute to comprehensive and forward-looking national and regional migration governance.
The MRCs are as much yours as they are ours. We jointly guide their work, ensure they remain responsive, and maximise their potential to the evolving challenges of migration. MRCs are vital in protecting the rights of migrants and in promoting safe, orderly, and legal migration. Let us continue working together to strengthen their role in serving migrants and their communities, in advancing comprehensive, forward-looking migration governance across the region.Radim Zak, ICMPD Head of Region Eastern Europe and Central Asia, reinforced the EU’s call for stronger collaboration
Group workshop with government representatives from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, and Sri Lanka to support the creation of a platform for dialogue to share best practices, information, and challenges related to MRCs, regional migration issues, and emerging trends.