The future of mobility is and will continue to be shaped by climate change, technological and economic changes and challenges of deepening instability, insecurity and inequality, conflict and concerns over food security. As demographic imbalances continue between the global North and South, mobility patterns are increasingly being shaped by regional integration, free movement of goods, persons and capital as well as trade and transport facilitation and changing mobility pathways.

Significant changes in the world of work, including deregulation, remote work, digitalization and more precarious modes of employment are also challenging traditional forms of labour and other forms of economically motivated mobility.

LMI needs to be ready to adapt to these fundamental changes in an agile and solutions-based approach so that we are at the forefront in responding, in conjunction with our partners. This will ensure that the work of the division remains relevant, cutting edge and responsive to the needs of migrants, communities, states etc. This will be achieved by:

  • Enhancing labour mobility solutions in fragile and complex contexts to ensure safe and regular pathways to migrants and mobile populations.
  • Consolidating IOM’s approach on trade within the context of regional integration so that the movement of goods in conjunction with the movement of people and services contribute to formal economic development.
  • Articulating ways in which labour and transnational mobility can contribute to climate adaptation by providing solutions for people both to move and to stay.
  • Anticipating future mobility and employment related trends and providing continuous tailored responses.

S/25/5 - Skills-based migration and partnerships: elements and essential prerequisites  

Skills mobility partnerships

Making the Case to Integrate Human Mobility into Cross-border Trade and Trade Facilitation | IOM Publications Platform