During a two-day visit to Spain, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope met with senior Spanish government officials in Madrid to strengthen cooperation on migration governance and human mobility. The visit reaffirmed the close partnership between Spain and the IOM in promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration at a time when international collaboration on migration remains increasingly important.
Amy Pope highlighted Spain’s approach as an example for other countries, noting that its focus on legal migration pathways, labour market integration, and human dignity demonstrates that these priorities can work together rather than compete with one another. She emphasized that Spain’s experience could help shape migration frameworks that other countries and regions may learn from as Europe continues to debate how migration should be managed.
During her visit, Pope held meetings with several senior Spanish officials, including the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration and Government Spokesperson, Elma Saiz; the Minister of Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares Bueno; and the Director of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, Antón Leis. These discussions reflected the broad scope of Spain’s engagement with migration issues across social, security, diplomatic, and development sectors.
The visit also served as an opportunity to deepen strategic dialogue between Spain and the IOM. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to migration policies grounded in international cooperation, human dignity, and shared responsibility. They underscored the need for continued partnership to ensure migration is managed in a balanced, practical, and constructive way.
Spain and the IOM also stressed the importance of addressing migration challenges jointly through stronger cooperation on labour mobility, resettlement, diaspora engagement, and migration management along Spain’s coastlines. These areas were identified as key priorities in responding to evolving migration dynamics and ensuring that migration governance remains effective and humane.
The discussions further highlighted the benefits of well-managed labour mobility, particularly in meeting labour market demands, supporting economic growth, and creating opportunities for both migrants and host communities. Amy Pope also pointed to the IOM’s ongoing support for Spain’s National Resettlement Programme, reinforcing the organization’s role in helping the country implement practical migration solutions.
Overall, the visit reaffirmed the value of sustained dialogue and strong institutional partnerships between Spain and the IOM. Both sides signaled their readiness to continue working together on practical initiatives that respond to changing migration patterns while strengthening regional and international cooperation on human mobility.
