Islamabad, 16 February 2022 (TDI): A USD 3.45 million grant project has been signed between the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad.
The signatory ceremony has been conducted at Islamabad aimed to strengthen the operational capacities of border management authorities in Pakistan to contribute to comprehensive migration management.
Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan namely WADA Mitsuhiro, IOM Chief of Mission in Pakistan namely Mio Sato, Director HR & HA Qazi Saleem Ahmed Khan, Section Officer – Migration Management Cell Sarah Benazir, Ministry of Interior of Pakistan attended the ceremony, which was held at the IOM Office in Islamabad.
By keeping the facts in view, Pakistan is a remittance–dependent economy and a country that is nourishing approximately 3 million Afghans; Migration is playing a vital role in the development of Pakistan.
Sustainment and the betterment of the migration system is a key priority for the Government in the upcoming period. In this regard, various policies and programmes have been introduced by the Government of Pakistan.
The Government of Japan’s assistance will allow IOM to contribute to the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to promote safe, peaceful, and regular migration by implementing efficient and effective border and migration management procedures.
The IOM will provide professional and tailored capacity-building assistance to immigration and border officials on effective border management as part of the project, which will also include the provision of document verification technology, infrastructure, and IT equipment at key points of entry.
Training on identifying, screening, and referring victims of trafficking and vulnerable smuggled migrants will also be provided under the grant.
Views of IOM Chief Mission in Pakistan
IOM Chief of Mission in Pakistan Mio Sato said: “Migration is a multi-faceted issue in Pakistan, presenting a number of challenges and opportunities. It is only through holistic approaches that meaningful progress will be made towards comprehensive migration management in the country, efforts towards which IOM remains committed.”
Further, she expressed her profound gratitude to the Government of Japan for its unswerving support for IOM’s efforts in Pakistan. She also thanked the Interior Ministry of Pakistan for chronic and having a long-standing course of close cooperation with IOM.
Ambassador WADA Mitsuhiro’s Remarks
Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan WADA Mitsuhiro said: “The Government of Japan is ready to support Pakistan in promoting peace and security through this project in partnership with IOM.
Improving migration management and protection is key to achieving outcomes, and we look forward to this collaborative effort with MoI Pakistan and IOM.”
Pakistan’s MoI Officer Remarks
Pakistan’s MoI Section Officer–Migration Management Cell namely Sarah Benazir expressed her views that IOM is an important partner to the Government of Pakistan in its migration management efforts, and they value the assistance offered at both operational and policy levels.
Likewise, close cooperation throughout programme design and execution is valued. The Ministry of Interior anticipates and is committed to close collaboration with the IOM during implementation.
Commendable Role of IOM in Pakistan
The IOM is working closely with the Government of Pakistan since 1981 to ensure the humane and orderly movement of people by constructing effective methods to shift migration dynamics i.e. protecting, assisting, and supporting vulnerable migrant populations for resolution and promotion of international cooperation on migration issues. Besides, IOM is serving as a key source of advice on migration policy, research, data, and practices.
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