Impending Program Cuts: IOM Faces Budget Challenges

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) anticipates significant program cuts due to a 30% budget decrease, driven by U.S. funding reductions. The agency warns of severe impacts on global migration initiatives and expects to affect 7,000 jobs amidst a projected budget drop to $2.89 billion by 2026.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is bracing for large-scale program reductions following a significant budget cut of nearly 30% this year. This decrease, announced by the U.N. migration agency chief, stems largely from the end of U.S.-funded programs and donor retrenchments.

The IOM had already announced a sizable reduction in its initiatives after former U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign aid cuts, stating that the changes will severely impact its migrant support activities. The planned budget cut from $4 billion to $2.89 billion signals profound challenges ahead, particularly affecting refugee resettlement and operations in Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and assistance for Rohingya refugees.

Amy Pope, IOM's Director-General, noted that the U.S. withdrawal, which constitutes over 40% of the organization's funding, has led to the cancellation of 80% of U.S. Agency for International Development programs. Amidst these developments, the organization estimates that 7,000 jobs will be impacted, although some staff may find re-employment. While several countries urged negotiations with Washington to reverse the cuts, the future remains uncertain.

(With inputs from agencies.)