{"id":2000123348,"date":"2026-08-22T13:10:17","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T11:10:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/?p=2000123348"},"modified":"2026-08-22T13:17:38","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T11:17:38","slug":"rwanda-is-a-model-for-open-migration-policy-iom-chief-amy-pope-video","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/rwanda-is-a-model-for-open-migration-policy-iom-chief-amy-pope-video\/","title":{"rendered":"Rwanda is a model for open migration policy &#8211; IOM chief Amy Pope (Video)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pope made the remarks in an exclusive interview with IGIHE during her visit to Rwanda, which began on August 19 and concluded on August 21, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DG said she had been impressed by the clarity of Rwanda\u2019s development vision and the alignment among government officials she met during the visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI have to say I have been so impressed by the clarity and commitment to the vision of the president in this country,\u201d Pope said, noting that the ministers she met were aligned around Rwanda\u2019s development goals and the role migration can play in achieving them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She noted that IOM considers Rwanda a critical partner as governments around the world confront increasing displacement caused by conflict, climate change and demographic changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOur number one objective is to make sure that we have the trust and engagement with our member states, and Rwanda is a critical one,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\u201cRwanda is a model for open migration\u201d \u2013 IOM chief Amy Pope exclusive\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5_TLry6FnhI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pope revealed that IOM\u2019s engagement with Rwanda is aimed at helping the country and other governments anticipate migration-related challenges rather than responding only after crises emerge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More people are being displaced by the effects of climate change than by any other factor, she noted, while conflicts and demographic changes are also reshaping migration patterns globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She held meetings with several Rwandan government officials, including Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva and ministers Olivier Nduhungirehe (Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation), Judith Uwizeye (Minister of Public Service and Labour), Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja (Minister of Justice and Attorney General), and Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira (Minister of Emergency Management).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1418\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/08\/HQPpOLjXcAA7PkF.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000123350\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope held meetings with several Rwandan government officials, including Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pope observed that the meetings demonstrated the importance of treating migration as a cross-cutting issue involving sectors including emergency response, foreign affairs, justice, immigration and internal affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAcross the board, we\u2019re seeing a recognition that migration has to be brought into this overall conversation,\u201d she noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Migration and Rwanda\u2019s development agenda<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the discussions during Pope\u2019s visit focused on the connection between migration, investment and skills development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pope emphasised that if Rwanda wants to attract greater industrial investment, it needs a trained and skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She noted that labour mobility can contribute to that objective by allowing Rwandans to work abroad, acquire new skills and return home to apply their experience to Rwanda\u2019s development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRwanda is a model for open migration policy,\u201d Pope said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The IOM chief also praised Rwanda for creating an environment in which migrants can integrate into society, describing the government&#8217;s approach as welcoming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She noted that migrants in Rwanda can access education and job opportunities and are treated fairly, which she said makes a significant difference in determining how migration can be managed and supported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rwanda&#8217;s approach, she added, is consistent with a broader vision in which migration is incorporated into national development planning rather than being handled by a single institution or ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf you want migration to work well, having community engagement, recognizing the impact on education or health, recognizing the growth potential, recognizing the skills are needed, all of that has to be part of the approach,\u201d Pope stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She affirmed that Rwanda\u2019s approach is well aligned with Vision 2050 and creates opportunities both for Rwandans working abroad and for people who come to Rwanda seeking better opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1636\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/08\/HQLgnrSXoAAhVBk.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000123357\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The DG affirmed that Rwanda\u2019s approach aligns with Vision 2050 and creates opportunities for both Rwandans abroad and those seeking opportunities in Rwanda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>IOM faces funding constraints<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pope acknowledged that IOM, like other organisations working in the migration sector, is facing funding constraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She explained that the organisation has responded by seeking new partnerships, including with the private sector and development banks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The private sector often relies on migration to meet its development objectives, while development banks can help finance efforts aimed at building skills and creating jobs, she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019re working hard, very closely with the government here to find new ways to meet the demands, recognizing that, unfortunately, the resources that are needed still are not enough,\u201d Pope said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>From crisis management to opportunity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pope noted that one of the achievements she is most proud of since taking office in 2023 is IOM\u2019s shift in thinking about migration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather than viewing migration primarily as a crisis that needs to be managed, she explained that the organisation is increasingly focused on how migration can produce better outcomes for individuals, communities and economies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Pope, labour mobility is currently one of the fastest-growing areas of IOM\u2019s work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The organisation is working to create opportunities for people to move safely, legally and with dignity so that they can benefit from employment opportunities in other countries. It also aims to reduce the number of people who are scammed, die during migration journeys, or fall victim to smugglers and traffickers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She stressed that such opportunities require planning and cooperation between governments, businesses and other partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat doesn\u2019t happen by accident,\u201d Pope said. \u201cThat happens because of planning, of strategic engagement, of partnerships with private sector, partnerships with the governments themselves, whether they\u2019re sending government or host government.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IOM&#8217;s post-visit statement similarly highlighted skills development, labour mobility, diaspora engagement and protection as areas where migration can contribute to jobs, economic growth and regional cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo country can address migration challenges alone,\u201d Pope said in the statement. \u201cContinued cooperation between governments, international partners and the private sector is essential to expanding opportunities and ensuring migration works for people and communities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1414\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/08\/HQLgnrPW0AA3IwH.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000123355\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The IOM chief during a meeting with Minister of Public Service and Labour Judith Uwizeye on Thursday, August, 20, 2026.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rwanda\u2019s role in migration cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pope\u2019s comments come as Rwanda continues to position itself as a partner in international efforts to address migration challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Currently, Rwanda hosts approximately 135,000 to 137,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers, according to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The majority of this population originates from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rwanda has previously worked with international organisations through its Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) in Gashora, which temporarily hosts vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees evacuated from Libya while arrangements are made for their future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mechanism was established in 2019 in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rwanda&#8217;s Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo recently confirmed that Rwanda and Italy are holding discussions on a potential migration partnership, although she stressed that no agreement had been reached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One idea under discussion is reportedly to build on the existing Gashora mechanism to provide a safe place for people fleeing conflict or persecution.<br>Makolo explained that Rwanda&#8217;s willingness to participate in migration partnerships is informed by the country&#8217;s own history of displacement and return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She also added that Rwanda wants to contribute to reducing the dangers faced by Africans undertaking irregular journeys across the Sahara and the Mediterranean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe don&#8217;t want Africans making dangerous journeys across the desert and dying in the Mediterranean,\u201d Makolo said during a recent interview with Royal FM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"914\" data-id=\"2000123363\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/08\/HQMTJRGW8AAEqt7-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000123363\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The DG also held talks with Olivier Nduhungirehe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"735\" data-id=\"2000123358\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/08\/HQMS1fuXgAAusAV.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000123358\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">IOM DG held talks with Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, on Thursday.<br><br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-id=\"2000123354\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/08\/HQOcv8TXwAAKQU3.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000123354\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pope revealed that IOM\u2019s engagement with Rwanda is aimed at helping the country and other governments anticipate migration-related challenges rather than responding only after crises emerge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope has described Rwanda as a model for open migration policy, praising the country\u2019s efforts to integrate migration into its broader development agenda and its focus on turning migration from a challenge into an opportunity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":2000123351,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[151,70],"byline":[192],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-2000123348","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-editors-choice","tag-main-home-ighlight","byline-wycliffe-nyamasege"],"bylines":[{"id":192,"name":"Wycliffe Nyamasege","slug":"wycliffe-nyamasege","description":"","image":{"id":2000122456,"url":"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-08-14-at-11.58.47-AM.jpeg","title":"WhatsApp Image 2026-08-14 at 11.58.47 AM","mime_type":"image\/jpeg"},"user_id":131}],"contributors":[{"id":192,"name":"Wycliffe 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