The Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, has concluded her visit to Algeria from 5 to 8 January aimed at deepening cooperation with the Government of Algeria on migration management, including support for safe and dignified voluntary return and reintegration of migrants who choose to return home.
"Algeria is a key partner in regional migration governance, as both a destination and transit country," said DG Pope. "By working together to address the drivers of irregular migration, we can create pathways rooted in opportunity and dignity-protecting rights and supporting shared stability and development."
During her visit, DG Pope met with government counterparts including His Excellency Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Mr. Saïd Sayoud, Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and Transport, Prof. Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene, Minister of Health to reaffirm shared commitments on migration policies and shared values on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). The discussions underscored the importance of data and evidence in shaping effective migration governance.
DG Pope visited IOM's reception and registration centres, where migrants receive comprehensive support under the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme, including access to information, temporary accommodation, and assistance to prepare for voluntary return with dignity. With a capacity to accommodate up to 276 people, the Voluntary Return Reception Facility (DARV) offers short-term pre-departure assistance and specialized long-term support for individuals with specific needs, including medical care, protection services, and psychosocial support. Migrants also benefit from soft skills development and livelihoods training to enhance resilience and reintegration prospects. In 2025, IOM supported more than 9,500 migrants in Algeria to return home voluntarily.
The visit also saw the signing of agreements with the Ministry of Health to facilitate free access to healthcare services for migrants assisted by IOM and with the Office des Parcs des Sports and des Loisirs d'Alger (OPLA) to strengthen the DARV facility. Discussions further addressed the important role of the Algerian diaspora, including new measures being prepared to encourage young Algerians living abroad to invest their skills, ideas, and energy in the country's economy.
To strengthen collaboration and foster dialogue on migration challenges, opportunities, and shared priorities between countries of origin and the hosting country, DG Pope held discussions with ambassadors from 10 African countries and Bangladesh with a particular focus on the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme. These included representation from Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Senegal, Cameroon, Somalia, and Niger.
The visit concluded with engagements with IOM's donors and partners, hosted by the European Union and the Danish Delegation in Algiers, where DG Pope expressed appreciation for the financial and technical support that continues to enable IOM's work in Algeria and across the region.
