Kurdistan Region to open second migration advisory center in Sulaimani with Swedish support
The center's primary objectives include raising community awareness about illegal migration risks, guiding youth towards available opportunities both within and outside the Kurdistan Region, and providing ongoing consultation on various topics.
Nov. 29, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government's Ministry of Interior announced plans to establish a Migration Advisory Center in Sulaimani province to raise awareness about the risks of illegal migration, following the successful launch of its first center in Erbil.
The Joint Crisis Coordination Centre (JCC) of the Interior Ministry, under the supervision of Minister Rebar Ahmed, will establish the second branch with support from the Swedish Migration Agency. The announcement came on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.
The center's primary objectives include raising community awareness about illegal migration risks, guiding youth towards available opportunities both within and outside the Kurdistan Region, and providing ongoing consultation on various topics.
The JCC noted that Kurdistan Region is the ninth country to establish such migration advisory centers. Several ministries and agencies are involved in managing the center, which also provides consultation services to foreigners entering the Kurdistan Region, familiarizing them with local laws and regulations.
"The Interior Ministry is currently in the process of establishing the center in Sulaimani province," the JCC stated. "Over the past week, several meetings have been held with the Swedish Migration Agency, who are supporting the center. Training sessions have been conducted for staff from the Interior Ministry and Sulaimani’s Immigration and Migration Directorate."
The center is expected to be officially launched in Sulaimani in the near future, with plans to expand to all provinces and independent administrations. The JCC's Director-General expressed gratitude to Sweden and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for their support, noting that several future cooperation plans were agreed upon during their visit to the Kurdistan Region.
The establishment of Migration Advisory Centers in the Kurdistan Region represents a significant step in addressing irregular migration challenges.
These centers are part of a broader strategy to combat human trafficking and illegal migration while providing legal pathways for migration and employment opportunities.
The initiative reflects growing cooperation between the Kurdistan Regional Government and European partners in managing migration flows and protecting vulnerable populations.