Beijing – IOM, the UN Migration Agency, is today hosting a two-day seminar in Beijing on mixed migration flows under the framework of the European Union (EU)-China Dialogue on Migration and Mobility Support Project. 

Mixed migration is the term used to describe complex migratory movements of an irregular nature, triggered by a multiplicity of factors and involving people with different needs and profiles, including economic migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, environmental migrants, unaccompanied minors, smuggled people and victims of human trafficking.

As unprecedented numbers of people leave their homes in search of safety or new economic opportunities, effective management of these flows has become a major challenge for countries around the world. Mixed migratory flows are evident in developed countries, emerging and developing countries alike.

IOM and its partners support governments in adopting shared and practical solutions that take a humanitarian and developmental approach, ensuring that rights of all migrants are safeguarded.  

The Beijing seminar was attended by some 25 Chinese officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Civil Affairs, State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, and Foreign Affairs Office representatives at provincial levels, including Beijing and Shanghai municipalities.  Officials from EU Member States also took part. 

Experts from Germany, Sweden, South Africa and IOM described current global trends in mixed migration flows, national approaches to managing the issue, IOM’s practical response to supporting migrants in countries in crisis, and the role of the international community in establishing shared principles and commitments for effective management of such flows.

“We need to shape an EU migration policy that is robust, realistic and fair. The EU is working closely with partners worldwide, including IOM and UNHCR, to ensure that we continue to manage migration flows and fulfil our obligations to all those in need of international protection,” said EU Delegation Counsellor Marcin Grabiec. 

For further information, please contact Etienne Micallef at the IOM Office in China. Tel: + 86 138 1120 9875;  Email: emicallef@iom.int