The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched its 2026 Global Appeal, seeking USD 4.7 billion to assist 41 million people on the move while strengthening systems to ensure migration is safe, orderly, and regular. The Appeal underscores the urgent reality that people migrate in search of protection, stability, and opportunity, requiring sustained humanitarian and development support.
IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized that the Appeal aims to provide humanitarian assistance before crises escalate, create safer migration pathways, and support communities so that they are strengthened rather than overstretched. These investments are designed to address immediate challenges while promoting a more stable and humane future.
Migration is occurring amid growing and intersecting global crises. One in four people live in fragile settings affected by conflict, violence, or disaster, and by the end of 2024, 83.4 million people were internally displaced. Voluntary, safe, and dignified return and sustainable reintegration are essential to maintaining stability and supporting long-term development, offering governments solutions that uphold rights while strengthening communities.
Climate shocks are further intensifying these pressures. In 2024, disasters displaced 9.8 million people, a 27 percent increase from 2023, and global economic losses reached USD 242 billion. Irregular migration continues to carry severe risks, with more than 5,500 deaths and disappearances recorded in 2025.
Despite these challenges, migration contributes to resilience, innovation, and opportunity. Over 304 million people are international migrants, including 168 million workers whose skills sustain critical sectors worldwide. Migrants support hospitals, agriculture, small businesses, and remittances, which reached USD 883 billion in 2024, demonstrating the developmental benefits of safe and dignified migration.
In response to rising needs and stretched resources, IOM’s 2026 Appeal calls for sharper prioritization, flexible funding, and efficient systems. It aligns with IOM’s three strategic pillars: saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating regular migration pathways.
IOM is requesting USD 1.5 billion to protect displaced people, ensuring access to shelter, clean water, medical care, protection, and other essential services, including mobile health support and rapid humanitarian supply chains. Another USD 1.5 billion will support durable solutions, including restoring livelihoods, strengthening community resilience, and helping governments transition from crisis response to recovery.
Approximately USD 1.3 billion will support safe and regular migration, helping governments manage labour mobility, uphold migrants’ rights, and improve systems for shared societal benefits. This includes facilitating voluntary, safe, and dignified return, readmission, sustainable reintegration, and route-based approaches for coherent, data-driven migration management.
The Appeal concludes with a call for governments, donors, and partners to renew their commitment, investing in stability, safety, and dignity for people on the move and host communities. IOM emphasizes that migration, when supported effectively, can serve as a driver of sustainable development and shared prosperity.
