Geneva – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) supports the ability for all people to have access to fair and efficient asylum systems. Extraterritorial processing poses numerous legal, ethical, and operational challenges. It also puts the rights and dignity of migrants at risk, potentially in contravention of international law.    

We recognize the challenges many States have with irregular arrivals and the pressures on governments and communities to respond to those challenges. We encourage the UK and other Member States to look at solutions that address the underlying factors that drive people to leave home, to offer expanded safe and legal pathways for migration, and to build partnerships with governments along the migration route.   

We will continue to work with our Member States to find and promote sustainable solutions that protect those who are vulnerable, to provide meaningful support to impacted communities, and to work to create more regular pathways for those who are on the move.   

Regardless of status, the dignity and human rights of people on the move should be upheld at all stages of their migration journeys, in line with international law and with the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

For more information please contact: 

In Geneva: Itayi Viriri, +41 79 554 04 43, iviriri@iom.int     
In Brussels: Ryan Schroeder, +32 492 25 02 34, rschroeder@iom.int    
In London: Abir Soleiman, +44 747 019 5306, asoleiman@iom.int