The Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, is undertaking an official visit to Reykjavik this week to reinforce the long-standing partnership between IOM and the Government of Iceland. With Iceland implementing its first comprehensive migration policy, discussions are focusing on national and Nordic migration trends as well as broader international developments. DG Pope emphasized that while IOM brings global expertise, the goal is to collaborate with Iceland to ensure migration policies are fair, orderly, and beneficial for both migrants and communities.
Since 2012, IOM and Iceland have maintained a partnership that includes engagement with senior officials such as the Minister of Justice, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and members of Iceland’s Parliament. The visit also involves consultations with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs on issues spanning migration, development, and humanitarian assistance. These dialogues aim to align international experience with Iceland’s unique migration context and evolving needs.
Iceland has seen significant demographic changes in recent years, with migrants now making up 18 per cent of its population of approximately 400,000 people. This growing diversity reflects shifts in labour market demands and emerging protection concerns for vulnerable migrants, underscoring the importance of policies that address migration comprehensively—from arrival and integration to return.
A central element of the IOM-Iceland partnership is cooperation on assisted return. This year marks ten years of collaboration between IOM and the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration (IDI) under the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme. Over the past decade, the programme has helped more than 800 vulnerable migrants return home safely and receive support for sustainable reintegration in their countries of origin.
The visit also emphasizes protection and inclusion for migrants living in Iceland. DG Pope is engaging with civil society organizations led by and working with migrants to hear firsthand about their experiences, resilience, and contributions to Icelandic society. These exchanges aim to demonstrate how inclusive migration policies can yield tangible benefits for both individuals and communities.
Looking forward, expanding safe and regular migration pathways remains a global priority for IOM. DG Pope’s visit highlights the potential for the IOM-Iceland partnership to translate policy into action, supporting migrants while strengthening social cohesion and community well-being.
