IOM Director General Amy Pope Strengthens Migration Partnership During Official Visit to Lesotho

The Director General of the International Organization for Migration, Ms. Amy Pope, visited the Kingdom of Lesotho to meet with senior government officials and reaffirm the ongoing collaboration between IOM and the country. During her visit, she held courtesy meetings with His Majesty King Letsie III, the Right Honourable Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara, and the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Lejone Mpotjoana. These discussions provided a platform to highlight Lesotho’s commitment to migration management and the shared priorities between the Government of Lesotho and IOM. The visit also set the stage for coordinated preparations for the International Migration Review Forum, scheduled for May 2026 in New York. For Lesotho, this engagement represents an opportunity to strengthen institutional frameworks and reinforce policies that promote safe and regular migration.

During the meetings, Ms. Pope emphasized the importance of advancing initiatives that protect the rights and welfare of migrants while ensuring that migration contributes positively to national development. The discussions included strategic approaches for managing migration flows, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and implementing programs that improve access to services for migrants. Lesotho’s leadership highlighted the country’s progress in integrating migration into national planning and development strategies. Both parties explored ways to address emerging challenges, including irregular migration and the need for data driven policies that respond to evolving migration trends. The visit underscored IOM’s role in supporting Lesotho with technical expertise, policy guidance, and operational assistance.

A key focus of the visit was the upcoming International Migration Review Forum in New York. This global event provides a platform for countries to evaluate progress on migration commitments and share best practices. Lesotho’s engagement with IOM ahead of the forum ensures that the country is prepared to contribute to discussions on migration governance and policy implementation. Ms. Pope’s visit allowed for consultations on Lesotho’s priorities, including measures to safeguard migrant rights, enhance labor mobility, and support diaspora engagement. The government reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with IOM on initiatives that strengthen migration governance while contributing to social and economic development.

Lesotho has consistently worked with IOM to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration. Through this partnership, the country has implemented programs that improve migrant protection, expand livelihood opportunities, and enhance access to essential services. IOM has also provided technical support for capacity building in migration management and data collection. By integrating migration into national development planning, Lesotho ensures that migration becomes a tool for growth rather than a challenge. The collaboration strengthens institutional capacity, fosters regional cooperation, and enhances the country’s ability to respond to migration related challenges effectively.

The visit of IOM Director General Amy Pope marks a milestone in the partnership between Lesotho and IOM. It reaffirmed the shared commitment to safe and regular migration while promoting initiatives that benefit both migrants and the country. Lesotho’s leadership demonstrated readiness to engage in international migration dialogues and advance policies that align with global standards. By leveraging the technical support and expertise of IOM, the country continues to build a comprehensive migration framework that safeguards migrant welfare and supports national development. The engagement underscores the strategic importance of international cooperation in addressing migration challenges and highlights Lesotho’s proactive role in shaping effective migration governance.