KOROR, Palau — Palau is crafting its first-ever national migration policy with technical assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), aiming to harness the potential of migration for development while addressing unique challenges.
The Pacific island nation faces complex migration dynamics shaped by its geography, economic development, urbanization, climate change and the Compact of Free Association with the United States. While Palauan citizens can freely live and work in the U.S., the full potential of migration to contribute domestically remains untapped due to a lack of dedicated policy.
IOM, with support from its Development Fund, will assist the government in developing the policy. The project will focus on enhanced data analysis and coordination to ensure a holistic approach to migration management, encompassing labor migration, development, displacement and forced migration.
Initially, research on current migration trends will inform the policy, ensuring an evidence-based foundation. Capacity building will be provided through IOM’s Essentials of Migration Management Training for government officials involved in the policy development process.
The policy aims to incentivize the return of Palauan nationals living abroad, facilitate human mobility in the context of climate change, and streamline and clarify procedures for recruiting migrant workers.
The Palau Coordinated Border Management Working Group will lead the policy development, with the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development playing a key role. IOM will provide technical support and capacity development throughout the process.