Japan announces a US$ 3.45 million grant project

to support effective border control and migration management in Pakistan

Islamabad, 16 February 2022 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the
Embassy of Japan in Islamabad today held a signing ceremony of Exchange of Notes for a USD 3.45
million grant project aimed at strengthening the operational capacities of border management authorities
to contribute towards comprehensive migration management in Pakistan. The event – held at the IOM
Office in Islamabad – was attended by H.E. Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan,
Ms. Sarah Benazir, Section Officer – Migration Management Cell, Ministry of Interior of Pakistan, Mr.
Qazi Saleem Ahmed Khan, Director HR & HA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan and Ms. Mio
Sato, IOM Chief of Mission in Pakistan.
As a remittance-dependent economy and a country hosting some 3 million Afghans, migration
continues to play a key role in Pakistan’s development and constitutes a key priority for the Government
in the forthcoming period, which is committed to strengthening overall migration management, as
evidenced through various programmes and policies.

The support of the Government of Japan will enable IOM to contribute to the
Government of Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration, through implementation
of efficient and effective border and migration management practices. Under the project, IOM will
provide specialized and tailored capacity building support to immigration and border officials on effective
management of borders, supplemented by the provision of document verification technology, and
infrastructure and IT equipment at key points of entry. Efforts will also include training on identification,
screening, and referral of victims of trafficking and vulnerable smuggled migrants.
“Migration is a multi-faceted issue in Pakistan, presenting a number of challenges and
opportunities. It is only through holistic approaches that meaningful progress will be made towards
comprehensive migration management in the country, efforts towards which IOM remains committed”
said Mio Sato, IOM Chief of Mission in Pakistan. “I would like to express my thanks to the Government
of Japan for its steadfast support for IOM’s efforts in Pakistan, as well as the Ministry of Interior of
Pakistan, with which we have enjoyed close cooperation for a number of years.”
“The Government of Japan is ready to support Pakistan in promoting peace and security through
this project in partnership with IOM. We view a safe and secure environment as a fundamental

 

requirement for anyone to enjoy prosperity and peace. Improving migration management and
protection is key to achieving such outcomes, and we look forward to this collaborative effort with MoI
and IOM.” said H.E. Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan.
“IOM is a critical partner to the Government of Pakistan within migration management efforts,
and we appreciate the support provided at both the operational and policy levels, as well as the close
coordination during both design and implementation of programming” said Ms. Sarah Benazir, Section
Officer – Migration Management Cell, MoI. “The Ministry of Interior is committed to and looks forward
to close cooperation with IOM during implementation.”
IOM has operated in Pakistan since 1981 and has worked closely with the Government to ensure
humane and orderly movement of people by devising practical solutions to shifting migration dynamics;
protecting, assisting and supporting vulnerable migrant population; promoting international cooperation
on migration issues; and serving as a key source of advice on migration policy, research, data and
practice.