16, February 2021, Georgetown, Guyana – The International Organization for Migration, yesterday, hosted a virtual launch of the Guyana Migration Profile with the attendance of several government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd. The Guyana Migration Profile is an initiative spearheaded by IOM Guyana with funding from the IOM International Develoment Fund (IDF). The aim of the Migration Profile is to produce and collect information for evidence-based formation for policy decisions as they relate to migrant communities and migration governance.
Increasingly, governments and policymakers are acknowledging that evidence-based migration policies are a fundamental component of good migration governance which, in turn, contribute to positive national development processes. As a result of recent migration trends and increasing economic prosperity, the migration dynamics in Guyana are changing as the country moves from a source country for migrants to a destination and a transit country for migrants. These factors have indicated a need to strengthen capacities for the collection and availability of reliable migration data in Guyana to enhance the government’s capacity to produce migration policies that promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. As Guyana is positioned to be one of the largest oil-producing countries in the Western Hemisphere, it is anticipated that there will be a need for more skilled and less-skilled migrants to fill gaps in the labour market. It is also expected that there will be an increase of returning Guyanese from the Diaspora who will seek employment and investment opportunities.
Therefore, the Guyana Migration Profile project aims to support the development of a methodology for migration data collection, sharing, and analysis, as well as compile existing information into a format that can serve as a baseline for further reporting. Government officials directly engaged in the collection of this type of information will be trained to improve the quality of existing data and promote the updating of the Migration Profile on a regular basis.
In his opening remarks, IOM Guyana Chief of Mission and Regional Coordination Officer for the Caribbean, Robert Natiello explained that a migration profile would greatly benefit the country since such data and information could be incorporated into its national policies for development. According to Mr. Natiello, a migration profile involves an elaborate process that involves consultations with many different stakeholders to help identify data gaps, as well as strategies to address those gaps. The end result, he said, would produce the evidence required to inform policy on economic, developmental, demographic, social and other aspects that impact migration and vice versa.
“Migration Profiles have a maximum impact when developed gradually over time, when they are accompanied by capacity-building activities and supported by policy formulation and partnership development,” said the IOM country representative, adding that the Guyana Migration Profile will use this approach.
Meanwhile, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka, encouraged government representatives to take advantage of the Guyana Migration Profile initiative. She shared that throughout the world, migration is a driver of national development as migrant communities have positively contributed to host countries. After acknowledging Guyana’s history of immigration and emigration, Ms. Tanaka noted that increased global connectivity has made Guyana not only a “source country” of migration, but a country of transit and destination for migrants.
“It will be crucial to have the necessary policies and programmes in place in order to manage the growing role of migration in the coming years,” said the UN Resident Coordinator. She added that the Migration Profile can be useful in creating those policies and programmes that would allow the government to manage migration in a way that maximises the development potential that migrants offer. Ms. Tanaka encouraged the Government of Guyana to work with all ministries, the IOM, other UN agencies, and stakeholders to utilise the positive impacts of the Migration Profile process to develop strong migration policies.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd lauded the IOM and UN for their initiative in the programme, especially since such information would play a key role in Guyana’s development for generations to come. According to the Minister, a small state like Guyana in a very complex global environment welcomes the policy and technical support that a Migration Profile brings. Minister Todd added that migration is a key component to globalisation and sustainable development, and that more focus was needed in this area to optimise its potential benefits while mitigating its negative consequences.
“This information will be helpful at the national, regional and multilateral levels as we become more integrated to the global community,” said Minister Todd. He emphasised that for Guyana to be a valuable participant in this community, it is vital to have a scientific, evidence-based approach for the development of would need to be incorporated to public policy. This approach, the Foreign Affairs Minister added, will continue to play an integral role in Guyana’s national policies moving forward.
Following addresses, IOM National Project Coordinator for the Caribbean, Eraina Yaw, presented on the process, benefits and impacts that the Guyana Migration Profile aims to provide to Guyana. In her presentation, she emphasised that the project would be implemented throughout the year with participation from the government, civil society, academia, and other stakeholders. The Guyana Migration Profile is funded by the IOM Development Fund.
International Organization of Migration / IOM
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a United Nations organization working on migration issues. IOM was established in 1951 and is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration, committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. In 2016 IOM became part of the United Nations as the first agency specialized in all areas of migration. Dominica became a member state of the IOM in December 2017.
The core function of IOM is “building migration management capacities” where it is most needed, through providing for training of stakeholders to make a difference; development of national policies; engaging the diaspora for development; creating livelihood opportunities and setting up new government institutions.
IOM works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, promote international cooperation on migration issues, assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.
For more information pleases contact:
Program and Communications Assistant, Nicholas Peters at IOM Guyana, email: [email protected]
National Project Coordinator for the Caribbean, Eraina Yaw at IOM Guyana, email: [email protected]
Or visit: www.iom.int
