Africa and the Middle East

Quick Links

Warning - Internet Scams

Beware of fraudulent offers of migration assistance in the internet or email marketing.

Individuals considering migrating for whatever purpose or destination should take extreme caution in dealing with internet offers or email marketing in light of recent surge in fraudulent schemes.

West Africa

West Africa, map

Migration Issues

A main focus of attention in West Africa continues to be on irregular migration and how to counter it. As a result of the interest given to this sensitive issue, IOM is developing its cooperation with governments in the region to reinforce their capacities to manage migration. IOM is also increasingly involved in implementing programmes on migration and alternatives to irregular migration in countries of origin and transit, particularly in areas with high immigration pressures (strong "push" factors).

Among IOM's identified priorities for the region is the development of partnerships with regional organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). As a result, ECOWAS is stepping up its activities to insert migration in its regional economic integration plans, which is part of the establishment of a common approach on migration.

Furthermore, the link between migration and development has been the main theme of recent international high-level conferences. However, West African countries are anxious to see an accelerated pace of implementation of the declarations and plans of action that emerged from the conferences in Rabat and Tripoli. IOM will continue to implement MIDA programmes in the region and is exploring projects to maximize the impact of remittances on the region's development.

Building on the foundation established over the past years, one of the main components of IOM's intervention in the region will be the fight against TIP with both national and regional partners. Another key sector is migration and health in both humanitarian operations and integrated in country planning and policies, particularly to address the needs of mobile populations. IOM will continue prevention and awareness-raising activities on HIV and AIDS for target groups in the transportation sector, fishermen, and youths in cross-border areas.

IOM continues to encourage dialogue and cooperation between governments at both the national and regional levels, with the aim of promoting and facilitating legal labour migration within and outside the West African region.