Iraq Launches 3rd Voluntary National Review on Migration, Ahead of IMRF 2026

The Government of Iraq, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Network on Migration (UNNM), and partners across the United Nations system, launched today its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) on migration governance. 

The review underscores Iraq’s continued commitment to advancing safe, orderly, and regular migration under the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), while strengthening national systems ahead of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026.

“The Government of Iraq is committed to addressing irregular migration by expanding safe and regular pathways, while investing in youth skills and opportunities at home,” shares Dr. Kareem Al-Noori, Deputy Minister of Migration and Displaced. “Our priority is to ensure that migration is a choice, not a necessity, and that all Iraqis are protected from the risks associated with irregular migration”. 

Through the review, Iraq also reaffirmed its role as a GCM Champion Country. As part of the Champion Countries initiative led by IOM and UNNM, participating Member States demonstrate leadership by sharing lessons learned, piloting innovative approaches, and contributing practical solutions to support the implementation, follow-up, and review of the GCM at national, regional, and global levels. This role highlights Iraq’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and to advancing migration governance in line with global standards.

“This review marks a significant milestone in Iraq’s migration governance journey,” shares Pascal Reyntjens, IOM Iraq Chief of Mission and Coordinator of the UN Network on Migration in Iraq. “The country is transitioning from crisis response towards more institutionalized, government-led frameworks and this evolution is reflected Iraq’s growing capacity to manage migration and development in a strategic, coordinated, and sustainable manner”.

The report also highlights Iraq’s progress, ongoing challenges, and forward-looking priorities in implementing the 23 objectives of the GCM, in conjunction with First National Plan to Promote Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (2025 – 2030). 

The VNR contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029, particularly supporting Good Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights.

Since the last review in 2022, the Government of Iraq and partners have reported significant progress across priority areas, including climate-related drivers of migration, migration data governance, reintegration of returnees, diaspora engagement, readmission cooperation, and border management modernization. The third VNR will serve as Iraq’s official contribution to the IMRF, scheduled to take place in New York from 5 to 8 May 2026. The forum represents a key global platform to assess progress on the GCM and identify priorities for future action.

Going forward, the key priority areas for Iraq include expanding regular pathways for Iraqi nationals through employment, education, medical treatment, and family reunification; regulating the presence of foreign labour through data management, economic feasibility, and sectoral identification; engaging skilled professionals from Iraqi diaspora communities to support national development; strengthening the legal framework for migration through the enactment of laws addressing regular migration, talent retention, return, and reintegration; and promoting durable solutions for returnees from north-east Syria and internally displaced persons.

IOM reiterates its commitment to supporting the Government of Iraq in strengthening migration governance and ensuring that migration policies are inclusive, evidence-based, and aligned with international frameworks.

Note to editors: 

About IOM
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.

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