Geneva, 28 June – The Colombo Process membership convened today under the leadership of India to discuss the future direction of the Colombo Process and India's priorities for its two-year Chairmanship.  

As Chair, India presented to the Member States its vision for a substantive programme to revitalize the work of the Colombo Process, drawing on India's own strength in facilitating regular migration pathways and optimizing the mutual benefits for labour-sending and labour-receiving countries.   

India aims to use its national experience and competence for benefit of member countries endorsing fair and ethical recruitment as a national value towards the promotion of decent work. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the skills of the Colombo Process Member States’ workforce to better meet the demands of the global labour market. Strengthening regional cooperation and fostering partnerships with destination countries are also key priorities, reflecting India's dedication to improving conditions and opportunities for its labour force and that of the broader region.   

Ms Devandas, the Representative of the Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications, welcomed India as the new Chair of the Colombo Process and highlighted the crucial role played by the Colombo Process in achieving better migration outcomes for all. She further reiterated IOM’s commitment to supporting the Colombo Process Member States in promoting and protecting the rights of migrant workers and facilitating safe, regular, and orderly migration.  

India assumed the Chairmanship of the Colombo Process in May 2024 for a period of two years. Established in 2003, the Colombo Process – also known as the Regional Consultative Process on the Management of Overseas Employment and Contractual Labour for Countries of Origin in Asia - comprises 12 South and Southeast Asian labour-origin countries. It is a member state-driven, non-binding regional consultative process on migration, which facilitates dialogue and cooperation on labour migration governance and mobility.  

For more information, please contact.  

International Partnerships, IOM HQ, Email: ipd@iom.int