IOM has been in Portugal since 1976, making it one of the oldest country offices in Europe. At that time, Portugal was mostly an emigration country, and IOM worked with the Government in supporting Portuguese citizens and their families willing to emigrate abroad. During its almost 40 years of activities, IOM Lisbon adapted its scope and activities according to the changing of the migration patterns, always collaborating closely with the Government through advocacy and technical assistance, with the civil society, and providing direct assistance to migrants.  Our main areas of intervention are: Migration and Health, Labour Migration, Resettlement and Relocation, Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) and Migrant’s rights and Border Management.

Chief of Mission of IOM Portugal