Argentina - IOM and the Government of Argentina, representing the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR by its Spanish acronym) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will allow closer collaboration regarding matters of common concern, including migration-related projects.

The MoU was signed by IOM Regional Director for South America Diego Beltrand and Argentina’s National Director of Migration, Martín Arias Duval. Argentina held the MERCOSUR Pro Tempore Presidency in December 2014 when the agreement was approved.

At the signing ceremony, Diego Beltrand said: “Actions carried out in the framework of this MoU will contribute to support the process of regional integration on migration matters. IOM will continue strengthening the technical capacities of the region´s governments on these issues.”

The new agreement will allow closer cooperation between IOM and MERCOSUR member countries on such issues as labour migration, cross-border migration, mixed migration flows, social integration of migrants, border management, standardization of statistics, migration information systems, human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.

Other matters included in the MoU include training for government officials, migration laws and regulations, free flow of persons, assistance and links with nationals abroad, and migrants’ rights.

Martín Arias Duval added: “The technical cooperation from IOM, as the principal organization specialized on migration, is a significant contribution for the region. This agreement provides a suitable framework to strengthen the current cooperation of the MERCOSUR with IOM.”

MERCOSUR member countries include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Bolivia, which is in the process of accession. MERCOSUR associated states include Chile, Perú, Ecuador, Colombia, Guyana and Suriname. The last two are in the process of ratification.

The geographical area covered by MERCOSUR brings together some 295 million people, according to the Residence Agreement of 2000.  Its Member States promote the free movement of South American migrants, ensuring the respect of their human rights.

For more information please contact

Jorge Gurrieri

IOM Buenos Aires

Tel: +54 9 11 3248 7712

Email: jgurrieri@iom.int