Asia-Gulf dialogue on safe migration concludes

 Kathmandu, June 26

The Asia-GCC dialogue on implementation of the global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration (GCM) served as a preparatory platform for the 2026 International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), where global progress on migration commitments will be assessed, the organisers said.

Policy recommendations from the two-day dialogue that concluded on Thursday are said to contribute to the 2026 review. The event was co-hosted by Nepal's Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The GCM provides a practical roadmap for aligning migration governance with national development priorities and global commitments under the 2030 Agenda, they said. Both the Government of Nepal and IOM reaffirmed their strong partnership in supporting safe, rights-based, and well-managed migration.

Representatives from Asian and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have convened in Kathmandu to discuss initiatives aimed at promoting regular and safe migration pathways.

The Asia-GCC corridor is a crucial global labour migration route, supporting economies in both regions, with over 25 million Asian migrants living and working in GCC countries. The dialogue underscored the importance of strengthening these pathways to protect migrant rights and leverage their skills for broader societal benefits, read a statement issued by the organisers.

Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sarat Singh Bhandari, highlighted Nepal's role as a champion country in GCM implementation and its commitment to translating the compact's principles into actionable outcomes.

The conference discussed key GCM objectives, including developing regular migration pathways, promoting fair recruitment and decent work, advancing skills development and recognition, and enhancing migrant welfare and access to social protection.

Stuart Simpson, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, IOM Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, expressed hope that the event would facilitate in sharing of best practices to strengthen labour governance and address ongoing issues between the regions. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 June 2025.