Baghdad, Iraq: The ICMPD Regional Coordination Office for the Silk Routes Region is dedicated to working with all actors involved in migration management – and related service provisions – in Iraq, including local and national authorities, civil society organisations, and international stakeholders. With the aim of coordinating efforts among the national and international partners, an ICMPD Delegation from the Silk Routes (SR) Regional Coordination Office (RCO) in Vienna visited Baghdad, Iraq, from 31st January to 1st February 2022. The visit formed part of the SR-RCO’s continued implementation of a range of projects and activities in the country and combined overviews of the ongoing activities with forward-looking, open and visionary discussions.
The ICMPD delegation participated in multilateral meetings involving migration stakeholders, as well as bilateral meetings with the Ministry of Migration and Displaced (MoMD) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). Valuable updates and insights were shared among partners and national counterparts on their ongoing efforts in support of migration-related activities in the country. Additionally, an exchange of fresh ideas and next steps took place, including those concerning priorities in the context of national development and operational modalities. Discussions on capacity-building and other types of support to be offered by ICMPD were held, along with exchanges on a vision for sustainable solutions for the care groups in Iraq.
As a result of the visit, MoMD has offered its support in conducting those activities that would facilitate a better understanding of migration realities and circumstances. As one of the stepping stones, the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Iraqi MoMD and ICMPD was discussed. The signature of an MoU would reflect a common line on the implementation of activities, including those tailored to support MoMD in the timely provision of up-to-date and accurate information to outgoing, returning, and potential migrants.
ICMPD and MoMD furthermore discussed the issue of Iraqis currently present in Belarus at the border with the European Union (EU). The Government of Iraq has established a special committee to examine the situation and to work out solutions to help the people concerned. The committee is chaired by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Acting Minister of Migration and Displaced plays an active role too. With the core mandate being the facilitation of the return of Iraqi citizens from Belarus, the committee has thus far assisted 4500 Iraqis to return home.
Furthermore, the possibility of organising a Conference of Iraqis Abroad was discussed with the national counterparts, who welcomed the support of ICMPD in this regard. The objective of the Conference would be to foster the engagement of Iraqis abroad and have them contribute to the country’s development. The aim would also be to strengthen the diaspora’s sense of belonging to – and connection with – their homeland.
