Vietnam’s efforts in implementation of Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration impressed: IOM Chief of Mission
WVR - IOM Chief of Mission Kendra Rinas emphasized that Vietnam is among the very few countries with a nationwide plan to implement the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM).
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| IOM Chief of Mission Kendra Rinas. (Source: IOM) |
Talking withThe World and Vietnam Report on the occasion of the conference on reviewing the implementation of the GCM held in Hanoi on December 18, Ms. Kendra Rinas, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission in Vietnam, shared her thoughts on Vietnam's efforts to promote safe migration and reaffirmed the IOM's commitment to supporting this process.
What is your assessment on how Vietnam has implemented the GCM?
Although I have only been in Vietnam for five weeks in, I am much impressed with the efforts of the Vietnamese Government in undertaking an implementation plan for the GCM.They have developed a whole-of-government approach, whole-of-society, and that's demonstrated by all the different local ministries and departments.
One of the highlights in Vietnam's implementation of the GCM is the passage of the amended Law on Vietnamese Workers Going Abroad Under Contract (Law No. 69) in 2020, as well as the recent approval by the National Assembly of the amended Law on Prevention and Combat of Human Trafficking. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently released the Vietnam Migration Profile 2023. These are all critical policies. In particular, the migration profile provides data that can assist legislative bodies in developing policies to promote safe migration.
At the provincial level, many regions have developed plans to promote regular migration, raise awareness about the risks of irregular migration, and establish technical training programs. These programs aim to enhance individuals’ skills, empowering them to either remain in their communities or migrate safely and effectively.
We’ve been very impressed with the government's approach, and IOM is committed in its support to the government of Vietnam in implementing safe regular migration and we're committed to working hand in hand.
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| The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam has released the Vietnam Migration Profile 2023. (Source: IOM) |
In your opinion, what will IOM do to support Vietnam to better implement the GCM in the country?
Well, I think we have to look at it holistically. We want to work with the government on capacity building; all departments and ministries are equipped with the skills and capacity to manage and communicate about how to regulate safe migration.
This is where we aim to strengthen communication and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Events like this serve as a platform to unite the government and society, facilitating discussions and building a shared understanding of the issues at hand.
We are also very eager to support cross-border dialogues, such as those between Vietnam and Cambodia, focusing on migrants crossing their shared border. Additionally, we engage with countries that host Vietnamese migrants, including Japan and South Korea. IOM also regconize the significant number of migrants traveling irregularly to the UK, therefore we are committed to supporting dialogue and collaboration to reduce irregular migration and promote regular migration pathways.
In the context of these initiatives, what are the next steps Vietnam should take to better implement GCM?
I would say Vietnam should continue its current efforts and further enhance them. However, a significant issue discussed this morning was the challenge posed by labor scam programs. Many Vietnamese are being deceived into migrating and subsequently exploited in dangerous situations. Addressing this problem requires not only domestic efforts but also dialogues with other countries and political discussions to find effective solutions. It’s encouraging that the government has already identified this issue and is working to tackle it.
Equally important is maintaining dialogue and leveraging data to inform policy decisions. The government’s development of the Migration Profile is a commendable step—it consolidates critical data. The next step is to effectively utilize this data to shape policies, particularly those aimed at improving migration governance and protecting citizens.
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| The conference on reviewing the implementation of the GCM held in Hanoi on December 18. (Photo: Thu Trang) |
What are your goals for the organization in the upcoming year?
My priority is to continue building the capacity of my team and providing them with the support they need, as we have an exceptional group of national staff who are working closely with the government of Vietnam.
I want to empower my team to maintain strong relationships and stay attuned to the challenges the government faces, so we can continue to offer our support. Migration is a multifaceted issue—while many Vietnamese migrants abroad can contribute positively, such as by sending remittances back home, we are also aware that many face exploitation during their travels. My goal is to find ways to assist the government in addressing these issues, while building on the excellent work my team has already accomplished.
Thank you so much!
