By Al-Fassel | 2025-09-25

This transformative five-year strategy, spanning from 2025 to 2030, aims to turn migration into a powerful driver of stability, development, and opportunity in the post-ISIS era.

Iraqi counter-terrorism forces have played a pivotal role in the fight against ISIS, enabling thousands of displaced civilians to return to their homes.

Through targeted operations and strategic offensives, these forces have successfully liberated key territories once held by ISIS, dismantling the group's strongholds and restoring security.

Their efforts have cleared towns and villages of insurgents, neutralized ISIS threats, and paved the way for families to return and reconstruction efforts to resume.

Iraqi counter-terrorism forces have helped rebuild trust among local communities, allowing Iraq to implement ambitious plans to facilitate the return of families to their homes.

This progress has not only brought hope to displaced populations but also serves as an indication of the diminishing influence of ISIS.

A Comprehensive Approach to Migration Governance

The plan focuses on creating accessible pathways for work, education, and family reunification while strengthening migration governance.

It emphasizes evidence-based policies, institutional coordination, and active engagement with the private sector to address migration challenges and unlock its potential benefits.

During the plan’s unveiling, Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General for Operations at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), praised Iraq’s leadership.

“Iraq is setting an example, showing how national leadership and genuine partnership can turn migration into an engine for dignity, opportunity, and development,” said Daniels.

Iraq’s Migration Landscape

The country’s migration dynamics are complex, positioning it as both a country of origin and destination. Currently, around two million Iraqis live abroad, with many considering emigration due to economic or personal reasons.

Simultaneously, Iraq hosts over 370,000 migrant workers, primarily employed in sectors like hospitality, construction, and domestic work. In recent years, Iraq has also witnessed a significant wave of returnees.

Over the past seven years, more than 58,000 Iraqis have returned home, contributing to local communities and rebuilding their lives. The National Plan acknowledges these realities, aiming to harness migration’s potential while addressing its challenges.

A Vision for the Future

Developed under the Ministry of Migration and Displaced, with support from IOM and the Netherlands, the plan translates Iraq’s global commitments into actionable national policies.

It prioritizes the needs of migrants, their families, and host communities, ensuring migration policies are both evidence-based and people-centered.

Such a step positions Iraq as a leader in migration governance, particularly ahead of the 2026 International Migration Review Forum (IMRF). This global event will assess progress on the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), with Iraq’s proactive approach serving as a model for other nations.

“This national plan demonstrates that when policies are grounded in evidence, migration can benefit the country as a whole,” Daniels emphasized.

As the plan is implemented, it promises to reshape Iraq’s migration landscape, offering hope and opportunity to its citizens and those who call Iraq home.