ESWATINI HOSTS NATIONAL CONSULTATION ON GLOBAL MIGRATION COMPACT IMPLEMENTATION

 


The Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), convened a pivotal National Consultation Session on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) at the Siteki Hotel. This session is part of Eswatini’s preparatory process for the upcoming International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), slated to be held in New York in May 2026, where United Nations Member States will evaluate progress on GCM implementation.

The consultation brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society organizations, private sector members, academics, migrant representatives, and the United Nations Country Team in Eswatini. Additionally, experts from the IOM Headquarters in Geneva participated virtually, providing valuable technical guidance to support the IMRF process.

The session was officially opened by Nhlanhla Nxumalo, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, who underscored the necessity of adopting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to enhance migration governance systems in the Kingdom. Nxumalo noted that this consultation serves as a vital platform for assessing the nation’s progress in fulfilling the 23 objectives outlined in the Global Compact for Migration while identifying areas for improvement and future commitments.

In his opening remarks, Chief Immigration Officer Mthokozisi Dlamini highlighted Eswatini's significant strides since the inaugural International Migration Review Forum in 2022. He pointed to key advancements such as the strengthening of migration data systems, improved coordination among government institutions, enhanced efforts to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and the modernization of immigration and civil registration systems.

Dlamini also emphasized Eswatini’s international recognition for its commitment to effective migration governance, particularly through its alignment with the Champion Countries Initiative of the Global Compact for Migration during a High-Level African Union engagement in 2024. This initiative positions Eswatini among leading nations in the global dialogue on migration governance.

Throughout the consultation, participants engaged in interactive discussions surrounding migration trends, national strategies, data-driven policy development, protection for vulnerable migrants, and strengthened inter-institutional coordination mechanisms. The insights gained from these deliberations will contribute directly to Eswatini’s Voluntary National Review Report on the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration, which will be presented at the IMRF in 2026.

The Ministry of Home Affairs expressed gratitude to the United Nations Network on Migration and the IOM for their ongoing technical partnership and support in fortifying the Kingdom’s migration governance frameworks. The Ministry reiterated the Government of Eswatini's commitment to fostering cooperation with international partners, civil society, and regional institutions to promote inclusive, evidence-based, and development-oriented migration policies.

As preparations advance for the International Migration Review Forum in New York, the outcomes of the Siteki consultation will be instrumental in consolidating Eswatini’s national progress, identifying remaining challenges, and shaping future commitments within the framework of global migration governance.


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