Vientiane – Ms. Shareen Tuladhar, the newly-designated Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, met with H.E. Khampheng Saysompheng, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare today (22 February).

On behalf of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MoLSW), the Minister thanked IOM for the continuous support in managing effective labour migration, strengthening migrant protection, and promoting safe labour migration. H.E. Saysompheng also expressed appreciation for IOM’s commitment in aiding Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s graduation efforts from the Least Developed Country status. IOM and MoLSW’s joint efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to conduct safe migration campaigns to returning migrants in eight provinces was mentioned as one of the recent highlights of the long-standing partnership.

Ms. Tuladhar congratulated the Minister on the notable progress made on migration policy, which includes the increased inclusiveness of migration in the recently finalized 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021 – 2025) and the adoption of the Decree on Placement of Lao Workers to Work Abroad (Decree 245). She reassured that IOM stands committed to continue working in partnership with the government on labour migration management. IOM strives to protect migrant workers and to optimize the benefits of labour migration for both the country of origin and destination as well as for the migrants themselves. Specifically, in the current context, migrant workers play a critical role in the contribution of socio-economic recovery in any country.

MoLSW is the longest-standing partner of IOM in Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Since 2001, IOM has partnered with MoLSW in offering policy and technical advice to national governments that promote efficient, effective, and transparent labour migration flows; facilitating the ethical recruitment of workers; and capacitating officials and first responders in safe migration practices through various programming.

For more information, please contact Karen HO at IOM Vientiane. Tel. + 856 (20)55 136 294. Email: kho@iom.int