The first Assistance and Information Centre for International
Migrants in Colombia opened this week in the capital Bogota to
provide objective and up-to-date information and advice on legal
labour migration opportunities, migrants rights and general
information on migration to those seeking to move.

The Centre is part of a pilot project managed by IOM and the
General Labour Confederation (Confederación General del
Trabajo or CGT) with support from Colombia's Ministry of Social
Protection.  It was created to provide information to
potential migrants about their rights, including protection options
available both outside of the country and within Colombia in order
to promote regulated and dignified migration.

CGT, a conglomerate of labour syndicates, will oversee the
day-to-day operation of the Centre which will be staffed with
trained personnel with knowledge of migration issues.  The
staff will provide information and advice to potential migrants
seeking answers to their concerns about international labour
migration as well as information on migration to countries
including Argentina, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Panama, Spain, the
United States and Venezuela.

According to figures from the National Administrative Department
for Statistics (DANE), the number of Colombians outside the country
is 3.3 million, or almost 10 per cent of the total
population. 

José Angel Oropeza, IOM Chief of Mission in Colombia
says: "The extent of migration from Colombia confirms the need for
this Centre which will promote regular migration and provide
information on human trafficking and other negative aspects so that
people can make informed decisions.  The goal is to open other
Centres in cities with high migration flows or where there is a
population which may be vulnerable to irregular labour
migration."

For more information contact:

Jorge Andres Gallo

IOM Bogota

Tel: 57.311 5619495 or 57.1.5946410 ext.142

E-mail:  "mailto:jgallo@oim.org.co">jgallo@oim.org.co