Koror - The Government of Palau is developing its first-ever migration policy with technical assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).  

The Republic of Palau faces unique migration challenges and opportunities due to its geography, level of economic development, urbanization, as well as increasing impacts of climate change and the Compact of Free Association agreement with the United States which allows Palauan nationals to live and work in the US without a visa or work permit.  

The full potential of migration to contribute to the socioeconomic development of Palau remains untapped, however, due to the lack of dedicated policies.  

Against this background, IOM, with support from the IOM Development Fund, will assist the Government of Palau in developing a national migration policy. The launch of the National Migration Policy project was announced at a cabinet minister's meeting on 7 February, attended by Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, and Vice President Uduch Sengebau Senior. 

Enhanced coordination and data analysis will be essential to ensure that a holistic approach is taken to address migration management in all its aspects, from labour migration and development to regulating migration and managing displacement and forced migration.  

At its inception, the project will specifically support the development of a research on current migration trends to and from Palau, ensuring that an evidence-based approach informs the development of the policy. 

The project will also help build capacity by providing trainings on IOM’s flagship Essentials of Migration Management Training Curriculum for Government officials of the multi-sectoral body in charge of leading the policy development.  

Importantly, the policy will support incentives to encourage the return of Palauan nationals living abroad, facilitate human mobility in the context of climate change and mainstream and clarify procedures pertaining to the recruitment of migrant workers.  

The development of the policy will be supported by the Palau Coordinated Border Management Working Group, with the Palau Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development providing leadership for the initiative as one of the members of the group.  

IOM will provide technical support and capacity development to the Palau Coordinated Border Management Working Group to draft and finalize the policy.  

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For more information, please contact at IOM Micronesia: Haimanot Abebe, Email:  haabebe@iom.int, +691 320 8735