Tehran – IOM Chief of Mission in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Lalini Veerassamy, recently concluded a series of high-level missions to the Denmark, Sweden and Norway, where she engaged with key stakeholders from the Ministries of Justice, Immigration and Integration, as well as the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, to provide a comprehensive briefing on migration trends, priorities and needs in the Islamic Republic of Iran. During these visits, the focus was placed on illustrating IOM’s priorities in the country, identifying gaps and challenges for potential support from the Nordic financial partners and presenting recommendations for the future. 

The delegation from IOM Iran held a series of productive meetings in Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo, as part of several high-level missions IOM Iran is conducting in donor countries. These discussions revolved around identifying potential areas of cooperation that align with the donors’ interests. Participants were particularly interested in better understanding migration push-and-pull factors for both Afghans and Iranians, with a special focus on the youth. The meetings also addressed access to services, such as health and education, for refugees and migrants in the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

Iran currently hosts one of the largest refugee and migrant population globally, primarily composed by Afghan nationals who, according to the government’s estimation, account for more than 5 million individuals. Additionally, Iran serves as a transit country for migration towards Turkey and Europe, often associated with human trafficking and migrant smuggling, with thousands of Afghans and other third-country nationals crossing into Turkey each month. 

The recent political instability and economic crisis in Afghanistan, following the takeover of power in August 2021, have led to increased cross-border movements between Afghanistan and Iran, heightening the vulnerability of the displaced Afghans. This situation underscores the growing need to provide assistance to migrants and refugees in Iran, especially the Afghan population, by offering them opportunities for livelihood, education, health and skill development while simultaneously considering the necessities of the host community. 

Moreover, IOM is actively involved in facilitating the voluntary return and reintegration of Iranian nationals living abroad. Strengthened partnerships in this domain are pivotal for ensuring a seamless reintegration process, enabling returnees to achieve economic self-sufficiency, social stability within their communities and psychosocial well-being. 

“Given Iran's unique political and funding landscape, innovative financial strategies are imperative to sustain and expand IOM's operations in the country,” said Veerassamy. “Increased engagement with donor capitals is crucial for exploring potential collaborations and partnerships within this distinctive context.” 

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For more information, please contact Teresa Trallori at IOM Iran at ttrallori@iom.int.