Palikir – The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) continues to make strides in the development of a national migration policy. From 8 to 10 October, the FSM Migration Policy Development Task Force, launched in August 2024, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) successfully concluded their first in-depth migration governance training.  

The Essentials of Migration Policymaking training, IOM’s flagship migration governance programme, served as a platform for key government stakeholders to examine migration trends within the FSM, align the trends with regional and global frameworks, and develop skills in policy design and implementation. 

The Vice President of the FSM, The Honourable Aren B. Palik, opened the event, emphasizing the importance of a whole-of-government approach inclusive of national and state actors. “We must begin and take a holistic and comprehensive approach because many of the challenges encountered in relation to migration are multifaceted,” he stated. 

He urged the task force to critically examine and identify relevant migration-related issues that will inform the government’s decision-making processes. He also highlighted the importance of effective reintegration programmes for FSM citizens returning to their places of origin from the United States. 

The Honourable Leonito Bacalando Jr., Secretary of the Department of Justice and Chairman of the Migration Policy Development Task Force, said, “Migration policy is crucial for several reasons.  Among others, it provides a roadmap for human rights protection, especially of vulnerable migrant populations. Migration can also harness the skills and talents of migrants; many FSM citizens who find opportunities overseas contribute significantly to the FSM's economic development once they return home.” 

Migration policy development is particularly beneficial to the FSM because of its Compact of Free Association Agreement with the United States, which allows FSM citizens to live and work in the United States without a visa. This agreement provides opportunities for youth who wish to pursue work and education abroad, leading to a steady outflow of young, skilled citizens who live in the United States for extended periods.  

Hon. Bacalando underlined the importance of developing programmes to engage FSM diaspora populations in the United States. These programmes, he noted, would maximize the benefits of remittances, boost the local economy, and support communities in the FSM.  

The training sessions included the components of the policy cycle, migration-related legislation, migration and climate change, and an experience-sharing session with IOM Solomon Islands on return and reintegration.  

IOM Micronesia Chief of Mission, Salvatore Sortino, commended the FSM’s efforts in strengthening migration governance. He reiterated “IOM's commitment to supporting the Government of FSM in establishing sound migration governance strategies and programmes, which can respond to the challenges and opportunities identified during the training.” 

Supported by the IOM Development Fund, IOM works to strengthen the capacities of governments and other stakeholders to develop, implement, review and revise policies that leverage migration as a resource for sustainable development and as part of the solution to pressing challenges. 

Looking ahead, the Migration Policy Development Task Force will concentrate on spearheading the consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the state governments, non-government entities, and migrant communities. Additionally, IOM is conducting research to identify migration trends and patterns that will inform the migration policy development for the FSM. 

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