The Migration Podcast

Returning migrants and refugees to their home countries is a highly complex process. As the EU puts the spotlight on return in its agenda, there has been a focus on streamlining the coordination, processes, and cooperation between host, transit, and countries of origin. But equally important, return is a very personal issue for the returnees themselves. In this episode, ICMPD's Dries Lensen and Peter Neelen explain the complexities and sensitivities of return. They also touch on how ICMPD works with EU Member States and (partner) countries of origin, as well as return counsellors, and digitalisation tools. All of these to ensure the whole process of going back and reintegrating into society is safe, humane, dignified, transparent, effective, and sustainable for the returnees. More information on the Return and Reintegration Facility (RRF) here.

Since Russia's invasion in 2022, uncertainty continues to loom over several aspects of this conflict on the lives of Ukrainians. Along with lingering displacement of those still in their country, continued destruction of infrastructure, and the temporality of those settled in Europe and elsewhere; the Ukrainian people, moreover, remain resilient and forward-looking. To mark this sombre moment in Ukraine's modern history, ICMPD Portfolio Manager for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Violeta Wagner, and Project Officer Magda Sabadello discuss the current situation in the country; and how ICMPD continues to engage with both the Ukrainian people and host countries. This includes the displaced and diaspora communities; and the work in labour market integration of Ukrainian women, temporary protection, and support in securing Ukraine's border. They also share personal stories from ICMPD's consultation centres for the displaced in Germany, Poland, and Czech Republic – three of the highest hosting countries for Ukrainians impacted by Russa's aggression. More information here about ICMPD's ongoing response and collaborations for Ukraine. Read here for more on the Ukrainian Consultation Centres.

There are at least three main drivers for the migration year 2025: the ongoing war in Ukraine, the developments in Syria, and the new government in the United States. ICMPD ́s Migration Outlook report takes a look into the future of migration and describes the most important trends, origins, key events, and priorities for Europe.  At the heart of the ICMPD Migration Outlook there are "10 migration issues to look out for." In this episode, ICMPD ́s principal advisor and Migration Outlook main author Martin Hofmann explains these 10 migration issues. These include the relationship between global and European migration trends, return issues, and future developments in labour migration.

Human trafficking is a migration issue. While movements across and within borders increase, it has remained largely invisible and complex to address. Children and women are also faced with rising threats of abuse and exploitation, especially those on the move. In this episode, ICMPD Senior Researcher Madalina Lepsa-Rogoz and Sergio Rivera Reyes of Fundación Renacer (Colombia) discuss the HEROES Project in more depth. The research component of HEROES has led to the development of a Manual of new tools and strategies to detect and protect victims of human trafficking, child sexual abuse, and child online sexual exploitation; and to support them in case management and referral services. They also talk about the nuances and forms of trafficking and abuse across the countries covered; and how the Manual is helping first-line responders such as social workers, health professionals, teachers, and law enforcement officers in their work to detect, protect, and refer victims to support services. Read more about the HEROES Project here, including access to download a copy of the Manual.

Amidst the worsening conditions in Afghanistan, ICMPD's Migrant Resource Centres (MRC) remain agile and responsive. Through its strong engagement with communities, the MRCs adapt to the unique challenges of Afghans – especially women – since the fall of Kabul in 2021 that pushed over three million people to flee. Samim Ahmadi, ICMPD's Project Manager for the Silk Routes region, shares his insights on their ongoing response to the new and often confronting realities of Afghans, and how the MRCs are reaching migrants more widely from across different time zones now. He also discusses their support to (potential) migrants on legal and safe pathways for migration, the distress and frustration that can happen during consultations, various forward-looking partnerships in Europe, and recent examples of how, particularly women, access academic and employment opportunities in the EU and beyond. More information on Afghanistan's MRCs here.