Hanoi – During 6-9 September 2022, Lao delegation went to Hanoi, Viet Nam for the study visit to learn the experience in developing Viet Nam Migration Profile. The delegation was led by Vice Minister of Planning and Investment, H.E. Sthabandith Insisiengmay and IOM Lao PDR Chief of Mission, Shareen Tuladhar together with the participation of the with seven members of Inter-Ministerial Technical Working Group from Development Research Institute, Ministry of Planning and Investment,; Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare; Department of Immigration, Ministry of Public Security, and Lao Women’s Union (LWU). 

In response to challenges on limited data and information in country, IOM supports the development of the Migration Profile Project to promote and support evidence-based policy making, and to call attention to the benefits of mainstreaming migration into the policy planning. This project aims to promote development-friendly migration policies, strengthening coordination and information-sharing within the government and encouraging dialogue on emerging migration-related challenges and benefits. 

The migration profile study visit aimed to achieve enhancing mutual understanding of the Migration Profile Project implementation process, the structure and function of its final product, the sustainability, and potential impact, of the experience of Viet Nam; discussing how Viet Nam’s experiences can be tailored and integrated to the implementation adaptation and preparedness for Migration Profile project in Lao People’s Democratic Republic; as well as exploring the potential opportunity to improve migration governance in Lao PDR and meet with relevant ministries of Viet Nam. 

The Lao delegation also attended the workshop held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, and met with the president of the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences, and former consultants who developed the Migration Profile of Viet Nam in 2016. It was an excellent opportunity to meet government stakeholders in Viet Nam and learn how Lao PDR can tailor to Viet Nam’s experiences, including good practices and lessons learned, to develop the very first Migration Profile of Lao PDR. 

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For more information, please contact: Shareen Tuladhar, Chief of Mission, IOM Lao PDR at Shtuladhar@iom.int