Suriname

Situated on the northeastern coast of South America, Suriname stands as an independent nation. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, while its land boundaries connect with French Guiana to the east, Brazil to the south, and Guyana to the west. While Suriname is distinctly South American, its membership in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) also underlines its regional ties.  Once a Dutch colony, Suriname secured its independence in 1975.   

Suriname has a tapestry of landscapes, ranging from verdant rainforests and flowing rivers to expansive savannas. Suriname's extensive natural resources set it apart as one of only three countries globally to exhibit a negative carbon footprint. However, challenges persist, with issues such as deforestation, illicit mining, and conservation efforts representing an ongoing balancing act between development and the preservation of its distinct ecosystems. 

Suriname's history has been marked by diverse immigration waves, primarily originating from neighboring nations and former colonies such as Indonesia, India, China, and the Netherlands. These influxes have significantly shaped the nation's cultural mosaic and demographic composition.  

Surinamese emigration has been notable, often driven by aspirations for improved economic prospects and education, with the Netherlands as a prominent destination. Labor migration is a prominent feature, particularly in sectors like mining, agriculture, and construction. Neighboring country residents often seek work opportunities in Suriname, contributing to the nation's workforce and economic vitality. While not a primary recipient of refugees and asylum seekers compared to other nations, Suriname has intermittently provided refuge to individuals escaping political turmoil or conflicts in neighboring regions. 

IOM Suriname Office

The Republic of Suriname became a Member State of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on the 14th of June, 2013. IOM has established an office in Paramaribo in April 2023 and signed in July 2023 a Privileges and Immunities (P&I) agreement with the Government.  

Mission Statement

IOM Suriname recognizes that the diversity of migration in Suriname is the essence of its society, and that all migrants deserve respect and empathy. Our mission is to safeguard the dignity of all people who arrive in Suriname, leave the country and those passing through (transit). IOM is dedicated to supporting migration that is safe, regular and secure for all, and committed to conducting operations by relying on data-driven evidence and a thorough analysis of local conditions. We achieve this through knowledge sharing and in partnership with local government, regional authorities, the private sector, civil society organizations, academia and development cooperation partners.

Recent Work

• Voluntary returns and reintegration of Surinamese Migrants from The Netherlands and Belgium 
• Resettlement of third country Migrants in Suriname  
• Diaspora mapping and the development of a diaspora engagement policy 
• Development of an evidence based Migration Policy 
• Migration Governance Needs Assessment and the Migration Governance Indicators  
• Essential Migration Management trainings to the Government and civil society 
• Community Engagement activities with the Surinamese Society 

Contact Information

International Organization for Migration (IOM) 
Kwattaweg 126 
Kwattaweg, Suriname 
Tel: +597 8741415