International Organization for Migration Nepal Mission Overview - January 2018

Back to top

PRESENT IN NEPAL OVER 10 YEARS Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organi-zation in the field of migration and works closely with governmen-tal, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. With 169 member states, a further 8 states holding observer status and 393 offices in over 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM started its operations in Nepal in 2007 facilitating the resettle-ment of Bhutanese refugees to 8 countries. Since then, IOM has expanded significantly both in terms of programme areas, target populations and has contributed to the government of Nepal’s efforts to manage migration more effectively through a wide range of programmes. Nepal has a long history of dynamic population mobility and recent years have seen an upsurge in the complexity of migration pat-terns. An increasing number of Nepalis, especially the young adults, are seeking better opportunities abroad. Over half of all Nepali households have at least one family member currently abroad as a migrant or living in Nepal as a migrant return-ee. Migration contributes significantly to national development and resilience to economic and environmental risks and shocks. At the same time, migration experiences often come with risks and vulnerabilities. Many migrants face abuse, forced labour, exploita-tion, health risks and life-threatening conditions.