The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) supports States in realizing their national priorities and in fulfilling their international commitments in the area of migration, displacement and mobility. Commitments and priorities derive, in particular, from international law, the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the 2016 New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants and the emerging Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

In its 2017‒2020 Strategy for MENA, IOM follows the principles and objectives of the Migration Governance Framework, which was endorsed by IOM Member States in 2015.The strategy outlines subregional priorities for North Africa, the Mashreq and the Gulf countries. Lastly, it specifies cross-cutting issues and institutional principles that IOM adheres to throughout its work to maximize organizational effectiveness.

The strategy highlights key objectives to guide IOM’s operations, strategic positioning and policy and advocacy work, reflecting the context, challenges and opportunities in the region. While not a summary of the full breadth of IOM programming in the region, the objectives represent priority areas for action to improve the conditions and impacts of migration for individuals and societies, address acute and structural challenges in migration governance, and contribute to meeting international commitments and standards.

IOM will implement this strategy as part of the United Nations system at national, regional and global levels and in collaboration with regional institutions and relevant regional and interregional policy processes. 

Across the Middle East and North Africa, IOM employs approximately 1,500 staff and has offices in Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia and Yemen.

MENA Regional Strategy 2017 - 2020 

2015 MENA Annual Report and Statistical Overview

2017 Migration Initiatives

2016 Data Snapshot