Koror – Marking a significant step forward towards developing its first-ever migration policy, high-level Palauan government officials gathered for a Migration Policy Development training session from 7 to 9 May in Koror, Palau. The training, facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), equipped Palauan government counterparts with essential skills and knowledge for migration management. This included learning how to leverage regional and global migration governance frameworks to develop a comprehensive national migration policy.  

Minister Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl from the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, and Development stated during the opening ceremony, “Migration to and from Palau is becoming more common than ever and is increasing steadily. We need a policy to help harness the benefits that well-managed migration affords, as well as mitigating associated challenges, for example, by finding solutions for supporting the return and reintegration of Palauans living abroad.” 

Yohan Senarath, IOM Micronesia Head of Sub-Office in Palau, highlighted the fruitful discussions held during the training and emphasized the significance of a national migration policy: “This initiative will provide a framework to ensure the safe, humane, and orderly movement of people, and foster sustainable strategies that benefit all.”  

Despite its potential, the benefits of migration have remained largely untapped in Palau due to the absence of comprehensive national policies.  

While the Compact of Free Association allows Palauan citizens to freely live and work in the United States, contributing to high emigration rates, limited data on migration trends, diaspora, mobility outcomes and remittances impedes informed decision-making.  

The forthcoming policy seeks to provide such data, including incentives to encourage the return of Palauan nationals living abroad, through migration management initiatives. Moreover, the policy will streamline procedures for recruiting migrant workers to address the country’s labour shortages. Lastly, it will explore the need for well-managed climate change adaptation programs, considering potential displacement, planned relocation and mobility schemes.  

To inform the development of the policy, the Coordinated Border Management Working Group is conducting a comprehensive situation analysis, in collaboration with IOM. This analysis will explore various gaps and strengths in existing migration governance frameworks in Palau.  

The training and policy development process are supported by the IOM Development Fund under the project, Building Bridges: Developing A Comprehensive National Migration Policy for The Republic of Palau. The project aims to support the creation of an evidence-based policy framework addressing the complexities of migration in Palau. This policy will draw upon data and international frameworks, aligning with Palau’s broader development goals.  

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