Vientiane – On 19-20 June 2024, the International Organization of Migration (IOM) in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, in collaboration with the Department of Consular under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) convened a workshop on Migrants in Countries in Crisis (MICIC) to assist Lao migrant and nationals abroad in times of crisis.  

The MICIC initiative aims to improve the protection of migrants when the countries in which they live, work, study, transit or travel experience a conflict or natural disaster. 

The two-day workshop gathered 24 government officials (9 females) at central level representing Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MoLSW), Ministry of Public Security (MoPS), Lao Women’s Union (LWU). Moderated by IOM experts from IOM Missions in Indonesia, Thailand, and Switzerland. 

“The workshop is aimed at strengthening participants’ awareness about the specific vulnerability of their nationals in the face of different kinds of crises; enhancing the capacity of participants to address challenges before, during, and after crises, including post-crisis reconstruction and recovery.” Ms Shareen Tuladhar, IOM Chief of Mission highlighted during her remark. 

“The situation of migrants in crisis is recognized in various international frameworks, including the 2018 Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), highlighting on minimizing the drivers of forced migration (objective 2) and on reducing migrants’ vulnerability (objective 7).” Added Shareen.    

“Building capacity for government officials especially for the Consular officials is essential in assisting and protecting Lao nationals abroad in crisis in compliance with MICIC scope, and principles in phases of before, during and post emergency” Remarked Mr Siphandone Oybuabouddy, Director General of the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

“Assisting and protecting the rights of Lao migrants during crisis such as COVID-19 pandemic and/or victims of trafficking are emergency issues and Lao government represented by the foreign posts have so far taken immediate action to address issues,” he emphasized. “IOM has provided crucial contribution and support on the return of Lao migrants in crisis to home country.”  

DG Siphandone expressed his gratitude to IOM for organizing this critical workshop which is the second time since the first workshop held in 2021. The workshop will benefit government officials, especially Consular officials, in enhancing their knowledge and skills in preparing and responding before, during and after crisis situations. It will also provide guidance on information sharing among countries in the region.  

“On behalf of all participants, I’d like to thank IOM for having this event. It’s important knowledge to learn and it equipped participants from different government institutions to prepare and respond when crisis happened with Lao migrant workers and nationals abroad. Following this workshop, it’s hoped that IOM will continue to enhance knowledge and capacity for government stakeholders on the MICIC guideline and application.” Mr. Alomlangsy Rajvong, Director of UN Economic-Social Affairs Division, Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

This workshop is a progressive step in laying the foundation for MICIC implementation in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, enhancing the country’s crisis preparedness, emergency response, and post-crisis action to migrants. 

This is a part of the Asia Regional Migration Program (Asia RMP) in Lao People’s Democratic Republic supported by the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), U.S. Department of State. 

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For more information please contact:  

• Phornsamay Siheuangxay, National Counter Trafficking Project Officer at psiheuangsay@iom.int   
• Chanjaleurn Rasphone, Communications Officer at crasphone@iom.int