During a two-day visit to Spain this week, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Amy Pope met with senior Spanish Government officials in Madrid to strengthen cooperation on migration governance and human mobility, reaffirming the strong partnership between Spain and IOM in advancing safe, orderly and regular migration.
"What Spain is demonstrating matters beyond its borders," said DG Pope. "As Europe debates how to manage migration, Spain is showing that legal pathways, labor market integration, and human dignity are not competing priorities - they are the same priority. IOM stands ready to help translate this experience into frameworks that other countries and regions can learn from."
During her visit to Madrid, DG Pope met with the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration and Government Spokesperson, Elma Saiz, followed by a meeting with the Minister of Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska. She later met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares Bueno, and subsequently with the Director of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), Antón Leis.
The visit provided an opportunity to deepen the strategic dialogue between Spain and IOM at a time when international cooperation on migration remains essential. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration, based on international cooperation, human dignity, and shared responsibility.
IOM and the Government of Spain highlighted the importance of addressing migration challenges jointly, including strengthening cooperation on labor mobility, resettlement, diaspora engagement, and migration management along Spain's coastlines.
Well-managed labor mobility can help respond to labor market needs, support economic growth, and create opportunities for migrants and host communities alike. DG Pope also highlighted IOM's support for Spain's National Resettlement Programme.
IOM stands ready to continue working with the Government of Spain to support practical initiatives that respond to evolving migration dynamics and strengthen cooperation across regions. The discussions in Madrid reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue and partnership in responding to migration in a balanced and constructive way.
