The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Bolt, a leading European platform for ride-hailing and food delivery services, have signed a global agreement aimed at providing integration support for migrants working in the mobility and delivery sectors. The partnership, Bridging the Gap - Integrating Migrants, will start with a pilot project in Malta that will serve as a scalable model for other countries.
"Migration is a reality that shapes our economies and our lives," said Catalina Devandas, IOM Senior Director of Partnerships. "It is both a resource and an opportunity for people and economies alike. This partnership with Bolt shows what can happen when the private sector steps up to create fair, safe, and dignified migration pathways that meet real market needs and protect workers' rights."
With operations in over 600 cities across more than 50 countries, including in Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Americas, Bolt's broad geographic footprint strengthens the potential of the partnership to create lasting impact across diverse labour markets.
The project aims to empower migrant workers to better integrate into the local economy by working closely with private sector actors, developing tools and training for fleet employers, and providing targeted support. The partnership also seeks to foster social and labour market cohesion by ensuring migrant workers are fairly treated and supported by fleet partners.
"The success of several economic sectors increasingly relies on a diverse workforce," said Eirini Zafeiratou, Vice President of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at Bolt. "Bolt's platform enables earning opportunities for many individuals. With the support of IOM, we will make further efforts to foster better integration of migrant workers in the countries where we operate."
In Malta, the pilot will offer concrete assistance to employers and workers alike, from developing tools and training that promote fair working conditions to providing practical support and integration pathways tailored to the ride-hailing and food delivery sector.
The project will also engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including public authorities, to ensure that it aligns with national labour market needs, policies, and priorities. In parallel, it will generate evidence to inform future policies on labour mobility at both the national and international levels.
By bringing together IOM's global migration expertise and Bolt's operational reach, the partnership aims to create a more responsible model for labour mobility - one that addresses market needs while protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of migrant workers.
Bolt is supporting the project through the Bolt Urban Fund , a social impact programme designed to enhance the social and economic impact of shared mobility and delivery services worldwide.
