Counter Migrant Smuggling

The large-scale smuggling of migrants across international borders is a global threat to migration governance, national security and the well-being of migrants. Many migrants resort to using migrant smugglers when they do not have the option of travelling through legal channels. Consequently, migrant smugglers have become an integral part of the irregular migration journey, and criminal networks profit significantly from this situation.

The International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Immigration and Border Management (IBM) Division assists Member States to build and strengthen their capacity to directly intervene in and disrupt migrant smuggling operations, requiring coordination with legislative bodies, implementing effective border control measures and ensuring the concerted action of law enforcement agencies. IOM also assists in enhancing regional and international cooperation among key States and advocating for the exchange of best practices.