The International Organization for Migration (IOM) held a two-day retreat with the State Commission on Migration Issues (SCMI) on 12-13 April 2023. The primary aim of this event was to validate priorities within the rapidly evolving context of Georgia.

Event was opened by Mrs. Sanja Celebic Lukovac, Chief of Mission of IOM Georgia, and the co-chair of the UN Network on Migration in Georgia; Mr. George Jashi, Executive Secretary of the State Commission on Migration Issues; and Dr. Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, and the co-chair of the UN Network on Migration in Georgia.

The participants discussed the migration dynamics and strategic priorities for future cooperation, the evolving migration trends including those related to irregular migration from Georgia, return of Georgian migrants, changing context of reintegration and new approaches, regular migration schemes from Georgia, immigration and integration to Georgia, data and strengthening evidence on migration.

A dedicated session on Global Compact for Safe, Regular, and Orderly Migration (GCM) included the overview of the work of UN Network on Migration in Georgia, updates from the global fora including the recent International Migration Review Forum, and the upcoming Regional Reviews of 2024. IOM Georgia presented the recently adopted Progress Declaration and its connections vis-à-vis Georgia’s priorities, especially drawing connections with the priorities set forth by the national Migration Strategy of Georgia 2021-2030.

Participants also had the opportunity to discuss IOM Strategy for Georgia 2022-2025, and IOM’s ongoing and upcoming programmes within the context of the evolving migration landscape and priorities.

The retreat brought together thematic experts from IOM, the UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, the Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Georgia, and representatives of SCMI’s Secretariat and Commission members.