The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Federal Republic of Germany are celebrating 70 years of partnership in supporting humane, safe, and orderly migration. Since IOM opened its office in Germany in 1954, this partnership has been instrumental in addressing global migration challenges and promoting positive change for migrants and communities. The collaboration between IOM and Germany is a testament to the importance of international cooperation in supporting the world’s most vulnerable populations. 

To mark this occasion, IOM Germany organized a photo exhibition in Geneva, showcasing many years of impactful work and success projects made possible through this collaboration. The exhibition highlights key moments and stories of resilience, the contributions migrants have made over the years, illustrating the profound impact of migration on communities and nations. The pictures are also available online.

German emigrants board an ICEM chartered flight to the United States in 1957.
German emigrants board an ICEM chartered flight to the United States in 1957. © IOM

Historic Milestones 

Cooperation between Germany and IOM dates to 1951, when Germany was one of the founding signatories of the Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants from Europe (PICMME), later renamed the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM). Germany ratified the ICEM constitution in 1954 and thus became a formal member.  It was not until 1989 that IOM adopted its current name to better reflect its mandate and objectives. 

Work in Germany 

In Germany, IOM works in key areas such as protection, resettlement and humanitarian admission, immigration assistance, labour mobility and social inclusion, and crisis response. It also conducts outreach activities to migrants and engages with diasporas. 

With the rights and well-being of migrants at the core of its activities, IOM Germany's protection efforts currently focus on providing information and return counselling (both virtual and in-person), offering return and reintegration assistance, mental health and psychosocial support, and strengthening the capacity of government authorities and civil society organizations. 

Supporting the German Government and Federal States in resettlement and humanitarian admission programmes is another key area. Since 2021, more than 6,411 migrants have been assisted through resettlement initiatives, and more than 8,614 people have benefited from humanitarian admissions. 

The Family Assistance Programme (FAP), funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, plays a crucial role in immigration support, facilitating the family reunification of vulnerable migrants to Germany. Since its launch in 2016, FAP has supported more than 683,950 people in various locations. In addition, the German office provides services related to Korean visa applications. 

IOM Germany works to improve labour market responses and establish rights-based labour mobility pathways. It also promotes the social inclusion of migrants in Germany through cooperation with diaspora organizations, embassies and government agencies. 

Germany's Support for IOM’s Work Worldwide  

The Berlin office is the liaison office to the German government for international cooperation. With German support, IOM has carried out a wide range of activities around the world, including humanitarian assistance, crisis prevention, stabilization, post-conflict rehabilitation, development cooperation and peacebuilding. From Afghanistan to Ukraine, IOM has been able to provide vital assistance to millions of people on the move. Germany is also a key partner in IOM's initiatives to address climate-induced migration and promote sustainable solutions for communities affected by environmental change. 

Berlin is home to IOM's Global Data Institute (GDI), which was established to harness the power of data for operations, to make meaningful use of global migration patterns and to inform foresight. GDI leverages synergies between its two units - the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) and the Global Migration Data Analysis Center (GMDAC) - and works with a network of regional data specialists to illuminate the global data story of human mobility. 

Looking ahead 

As we celebrate this significant milestone, it is important to reflect on what has been achieved and look to the future. The partnership between IOM and Germany continues to grow, adapting to new challenges and opportunities in the field of migration, with a steadfast commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of migrants and communities worldwide.

 

70 Years of Partnership between IOM and Germany:

Photo Gallery