How the ICMPD Quietly Shapes Global Migration Policies Across Continents
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) has grown into a key player in shaping global migration policies. Founded in 1993 by Austria and Switzerland, it initially focused on East-West migration after the Berlin Wall fell. Today, its influence stretches from Europe to Africa and Central Asia.
The ICMPD started as a small initiative but has since expanded rapidly. Its contract volume has increased nearly sevenfold since 2015, while membership has grown from 15 to 21 countries. Germany joined in 2021, and Ireland became the latest member in 2024.
The organisation's core mission is to make migration 'safer' and more orderly. It does this by preventing irregular migration and selectively filtering immigration. To achieve these goals, the ICMPD provides airports with document and passenger check systems. It also trains border officials in various countries.
Over the years, the ICMPD has shaped migration policies through border management projects, readmission agreements, and data-driven governance. In the Western Balkans, it supports EU accession for countries like Serbia and Albania. In North Africa, it has strengthened capacity in Tunisia and Libya after 2011. The Horn of Africa benefits from its return and reintegration programmes in Ethiopia and Sudan. Central Asia sees policy harmonisation through the Budapest Process.
One of its major initiatives is the Khartoum Process, which focuses on migration routes between Africa and Europe. The ICMPD also coordinates EU-funded projects in Tunisia and Morocco, supplying police and customs authorities with equipment and training. In 2016, Director General Michael Spindelegger pushed to raise the organisation's visibility and political influence.
The ICMPD now operates across multiple regions, from the Western Balkans to North Africa and beyond. Its projects include border security upgrades, law enforcement training, and policy dialogues. With growing membership and funding, the organisation continues to play a central role in managing global migration flows.
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