IOM welcomes Astana's membership bid

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has welcomed Kazakhstan's bid for membership. If accepted, it will be the third Central Asian nation after Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to join the global network, working to ensure the orderly migration of people in need of international assistance. "IOM strives for global membership," agency spokeswoman, Niurka Pineiro told IRIN from the Swiss city of Geneva on Wednesday. "On a regional perspective - and today focusing on the Central Asian region - as IOM works with governments to develop regional approaches to managing migration, membership of an entire region is most desired." She noted migration issues or concerns affecting one country can have repercussions on neighbouring countries so a regional approach to migration can benefit all countries involved. "Migration is an issue which has moved to the top of political agendas worldwide," Pineiro said. "International cooperation is - as IOM has demonstrated over more than four decades - the preferable method to harmonise migration approaches and find constructive solutions." Her comments follow a letter sent to the Kazakh government by IOM director general, Brunson McKinley, welcoming last Friday's application. "I am confident that your government's action will be received with satisfaction by the Member States of IOM and I should like to express our appreciation of this further strengthening of the already close and cordial relationship between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and IOM," the letter said. Looking at the broader picture, this is good news for the region. In addition to irregular migration to and from Kazakhstan, particularly involving increasing numbers of Chechens, human trafficking is still problematic in the vast country. Pineiro noted the need for the authorities to set up programmes and policies to better manage migration. IOM is a growing organisation comprising of 86 members and 41 observer states. It is normal procedure that observer states, where programme activities are planned or take place, become members in due time. Astana's application for membership will be considered during the 84th session of the IOM Council scheduled to begin in Geneva on 2 December.