Migrant Protection and Assistance

Through its Migrant Protection and Assistance Division (MPA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) works to realize IOM’s commitment to address the needs, as well as promote and uphold the rights of migrants. MPA supports these individuals and communities to access and exercise their rights. It also offers support to governments in carrying out their duties to respect, protect and fulfil these rights, thus contributing to managing in line with international standards and practices. 

The Division’s activities aim to reduce protection risks of individuals in vulnerable situations, and in particular those who are exposed to abuse, exploitation, violence, neglect and deliberate deprivation. It does so by addressing protection threats and vulnerabilities while increasing the capacities of individuals, their communities as well as those of their duty bearers. Working in partnership with other stakeholders, MPA responds through the following six pillars: direct assistance; training and capacity development; data, research and learning; convening and dialogue; advocacy and communications; as well as the provision of thematic guidance. 

IOM has been active in Vietnam since 1987.

Projects

Travel Assistance for Migrants

Duration: Ongoing

Location: Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City

IOM offers comprehensive and reliable travel assistance to migrants who have never flown before or traveled to a foreign country, including escort assistance for medical cases, elderly migrants, and unaccompanied minors.

In many cases, as part of this support, IOM provides airport assistance at departure, during transit and upon arrival at the port of entry into the migrant’s new country.

IOM’s arrival assistance is particularly helpful to new migrants, facilitating smooth processing at foreign customs and immigration arrival checkpoints.

Support to the US Government’s Humanitarian Resettlement Activities

Duration: Ongoing

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

At the request of the US Government, IOM performs government mandated medical assessments and provides movement assistance for Vietnamese applicants who are selected for resettlement in the United States under this activity.

Completed Projects

• Evacuation and Return Assistance for Stranded and Vulnerable Migrants in Syria
• Humanitarian Return Assistance For Migrants / Third Country Nationals Affected By The Tohoku Pacific Earthquake
• Evacuation of Vietnamese Workers from Libya
• Evacuation of Vietnamese Workers from Lebanon
• Evacuation of Vietnamese Workers from Iraq