Kathmandu - The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Population Studies (CDPS) and the National Planning Commission, hosted the closing ceremony for the third edition of the Migration School on 11 September.  Supported by the IOM Development Fund, the initiative builds on the success of the previous two editions, held in September 2023 and February 2024.

Over the two-week course, students – ranging from government officers to migration practitioners and academics – explored various migration-related topics, such as conceptualization and definitions of migration; gender and migration; diaspora movement; engagement and development; migration and health; transnational organized crime and international instruments; cross-regional mobility; global economy and contribution of migration in development; and migration, development and global governance. The students shared positive feedback about the course.

“Thanks to the Migration School, I could understand the broader spectrum of migration issues, not only concerning the movement of individuals but also trafficking, national policies and health issues. It has shown me where the Government can work to promote safe, orderly and regular migration through policy interventions,” stated Sanjaya Adhikari, a representative of the Foreign Employment Board.

The closing day commenced with students presenting on the different topics studied during the course.  The presentations covered migration and health; migration and gender; the impact of digital technologies on migration; the role of migration in urbanisation; and migration and elections.

Lastly, the day ended with a closing ceremony and remarks from IOM Nepal Chief of Mission, Helene Fors. “You are the driving force behind the future of migration management in Nepal and beyond. I have no doubt these two weeks' learnings will lead to tangible impact in your fields,” Fors praised the graduates.

On a similar note, Dr Kedar Rijal, Registrar of Tribhuvan University, encouraged the students to “use the knowledge and experience earned in the past two weeks to solve the challenges posed by migration at the national and local levels.”

The Migration School initiative in Nepal has received positive feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including development partners and the donor community. As the organization of the fourth edition is underway, the programme continues to demonstrate its value.

Strengthening the capacity of policymakers and migration practitioners remains crucial for shaping gender-responsive and inclusive migration policies that support safe, orderly and regular migration pathways. In this regard, the Migration School plays a key contributor to advancing this discourse.

For more information, please contact: Prajwal Sharma at psharma@iom.int