ICMPD has opened the second Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) in Baghdad, in collaboration with the Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displaced (MoMD). The new MRC expands the efforts to promote safe and regular migration processes for prospective migrants, combat trafficking and people-smuggling through information, pre-departure counselling and post-arrival briefings for migrant workers, and re-integration support for returnees and internally displaced populations.
The launch was hosted by HE Evan Faeq Gabro, Minister of the MOMD, joined by ICMPD Director General Michael Spindelegger, and Ms Kitty Nielsen, Special Attaché for Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and on behalf of the Nordic Cooperation on Return in Iraq (NORAQ), which supports ICMPD’s work with the Iraqi government on several aspects of migration governance issues in the country.
The opening of the MRC within the Ministry of Migration and Displaced, and our formal partnership with ICMPD mark a significant step forward in strengthening Iraq’s migration governance. This Centre will provide essential support to migrants and returnees through accurate information, counselling, and reintegration services. We are committed to working closely with our national and international partners to ensure migration is managed in a safe, humane, and coordinated manner.said Minister Gabro
Along with the launch of Baghdad’s second MRC, the Iraqi MOMD also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ICMPD, which reaffirms the joint commitment to supporting Iraq in advancing effective migration governance. The MoU deepens the coordination between Iraq and ICMPD, and ensures the sustained, structured future cooperation with a strong focus on migration management, return and reintegration, and border management.
Denmark is proud to support Iraq’s efforts to strengthen migration governance through the second MRC in Baghdad. This Centre is critical in ensuring that migrants and returnees have access to the information and services they need to make safe, informed, and dignified choices, including effective reintegration. We commend the leadership of the MOMD and ICMPD for this important milestone.Ms Nielsen said, on behalf of all the NORAQ countries represented at the event – including Norway, Sweden, and Finland
ICMPD’s MRCs complement national capacities for effective and connected migration governance. Since the establishment of the first MRC in Baghdad in 2020, Erbil in 2024 and Sulaymaniyah in 2025, over 41,000 migrants, youth, and community members received a combination of services such as awareness campaigns and direct counselling. MRCs have also reached more than 23 million people through mass media campaigns.
In addition, more than 2,000 returnees [in Iraq] have received tailored support, including counselling, psychosocial assistance, and referrals to reintegration services. These efforts have significantly contributed to national strategies, aimed at preventing irregular migration and supporting the successful reintegration of returnees.
The fourth MRC in Iraq is a tangible expression of their growing commitment to translating strategic migration policies into concrete, practical solutions. As one of our flagship projects, MRCs represent a well-tested and a well-functioning model of collaborative, government-led migration governance. Beyond their role in informing and empowering individuals, MRCs also play a critical part in reducing the risks of irregular migration and enhancing the sustainability of their reintegration.said, Mr Spindelegger, ICMPD Director General
He also acknowledged the collaboration of the Iraqi government and expressed gratitude for the support from partners such as NORAQ.
NORAQ is a platform for the joint Nordic cooperation programme in Iraq comprised of the Governments of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Together, they support the migration and reintegration initiatives in the country, to ensure a concerted effort to development cooperation on migration and refugee issues. Through improved coordination and joint communication with stakeholders in the country – including ICMPD – NORAQ aims to secure aligned, sustainable, and transparent reintegration services for all returnees to the country; and establish a robust and professional migration management capacity in Iraq.
¹ Apart from the four MRCs now in Iraq, ICMPD also runs MRCs in Cumilla and Dhaka (Bangladesh), Osh (Kyrgyzstan), Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar (Pakistan), Batticaloa (Sri Lanka), and Dushanbe (Tajikistan); and a virtual MRC for Afghanistan. ICMPD will launch another MRC in Uzbekistan in 2025. Since their launch in 2016, the MRCs across the seven countries with over 60 staff including counsellors and coordinators have served around 170 million people.
Counsellors and consultants of ICMPD's newly opened second Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) in Baghdad, with the support of NORAQ, at the premises of Iraq's Ministry of Migration and Displaced (MoMD).