Promoting Safe Migration and Integration through the Establishment of a Migrant Resource Centre in the Marshall Islands

Under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) between the United States (US) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), citizens of the RMI are visa exempt for entry into the US and its territories. While this arrangement affords Marshallese nationals freedom of movement into the US, there is a disconnect between the aspirations of many Marshallese citizens and the realities of life as a migrant. In an effort to support integrations, the IOM in collaboration with the RMI Government will establish a Migrant Resource Center (MRC) in Majuro. The establishment of the Majuro MRC will be enabled through a funding allocation from the IOM Development Fund, made possible following the ascension of the RMI to the IOM membership in November 2013. Potential migrants and returning migrants will benefit from a range of MRC services and assistance, including a migrant assistance hotline and MRC website. Moreover, through service-oriented consultations and communication, trained resource persons will provide integrated services and information to empower intending, actual and returning migrants to make informed decisions and thereby minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of their migration experience for both the sending and host countries.