IOM Commends Vietnam’s Nationwide Strategy for Migration Governance

	IOM Appreciates Vietnam's Efforts in Implementing Migration Compact
	IOM Acting Chief of Mission: Vietnam Proactive in Migration Agreement

How do you evaluate Vietnam's progress in implementing the GCM?

Although I have only been in Vietnam for five weeks, I am impressed with the efforts of the Vietnamese Government in undertaking an implementation plan for the GCM. They have developed a whole-of-government approach, whole-of-society, and that's demonstrated by all the different local ministries and departments.

IOM Chief of Mission Kendra Rinas (R) in the meeting with Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang on November 13. (Photo: IOM Vietnam)

One of the highlights of Vietnam's implementation of the GCM is the passage of the amended Law on Vietnamese Workers Going Abroad Under Contract (Law No. 69) in 2020, and the recent approval by the National Assembly of the amended Law on Prevention and Combat of Human Trafficking. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently released the Vietnam Migration Profile 2023. These are all critical policies. In particular, the migration profile provides data that can assist legislative bodies in developing policies to promote safe migration.

At the provincial level, many regions have developed plans to promote regular migration, raise awareness about the risks of irregular migration, and establish technical training programs. These programs aim to enhance individuals’ skills, empowering them to either remain in their communities or migrate safely and effectively.

We’ve been very impressed with the government's approach, and IOM is committed in its support to the government of Vietnam in implementing safe regular migration and we're committed to working hand in hand.

What role will IOM play in supporting Vietnam’s GCM implementation?

I think we have to look at it holistically. We want to work with the government on capacity building; all departments and ministries are equipped with the skills and capacity to manage and communicate about how to regulate safe migration.

This is where we aim to strengthen communication and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Events like this serve as a platform to unite the government and society, facilitating discussions and building a shared understanding of the issues at hand.

We are also very eager to support cross-border dialogues, such as those between Vietnam and Cambodia, focusing on migrants crossing their shared border. Additionally, we engage with countries that host Vietnamese migrants, including Japan and South Korea. IOM also recognizes the significant number of migrants traveling irregularly to the UK, therefore we are committed to supporting dialogue and collaboration to reduce irregular migration and promote regular migration pathways.

What steps should Vietnam prioritize to strengthen its GCM implementation?

I would say Vietnam should continue its current efforts and further enhance them. However, a significant issue discussed this morning was the challenge posed by labor scam programs. Many Vietnamese are being deceived into migrating and subsequently exploited in dangerous situations. Addressing this problem requires not only domestic efforts but also dialogues with other countries and political discussions to find effective solutions. It’s encouraging that the government has already identified this issue and is working to tackle it.

Equally important is maintaining dialogue and leveraging data to inform policy decisions. The government’s development of the Migration Profile is a commendable step, it consolidates critical data. The next step is to effectively utilize this data to shape policies, particularly those aimed at improving migration governance and protecting citizens.

What are your organization’s key objectives for the coming year?

My priority is to continue building the capacity of my team and providing them with the support they need, as we have an exceptional group of national staff who are working closely with the government of Vietnam.

I want to empower my team to maintain strong relationships and stay attuned to the challenges the government faces, so we can continue to offer our support. Migration is a multifaceted issue while many Vietnamese migrants abroad can contribute positively, such as by sending remittances back home, we are also aware that many face exploitation during their travels. My goal is to find ways to assist the government in addressing these issues while building on the excellent work my team has already accomplished.

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