In Erbil... The first forum on the Global Compact for Migration was held in the Kurdistan Region
Today, Sunday, October 5, 2025, the first forum on the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) in the Kurdistan Region was held in the capital, Erbil. The event was organized by the Ministry of Interior in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The forum was held under the patronage of Rebar Ahmed, Minister of Interior, and attended by Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil; Dr. Hemin Mirany, Director General of the Ministry of Interior's Diwan; the Head of the IOM Mission in Iraq; and a number of other government and administrative officials, representatives of international organizations, university professors, and experts.
During the opening ceremony of the forum, Rebar Ahmed, the Minister of Interior for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), stated in a speech that "This forum reflects our shared commitment to advancing migration governance through partnership and dialogue." He reiterated that "Migration is not just a regional or national issue; it is a global responsibility that requires a comprehensive government approach and mutual understanding between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government to address it."
He also highlighted the history of Kurdistan over the past century, saying: "The successive regimes in Iraq did not hesitate to displace and force our nation to leave their country, simply because the people of Kurdistan struggled for freedom and liberty." He explained that following the fall of the Ba'ath regime in 2003 and the improvement of the KRG's economic situation until 2014, a reverse wave of migration began, with thousands of families and degree-holders returning home. He added: "During the war against ISIS, thousands of youths and veteran Peshmerga returned from Europe to defend their homeland."
The Minister of Interior emphasized the Ninth Cabinet's efforts to create job opportunities and reduce migration, stating: "We have made serious efforts to ensure that the citizen is the center of all government projects and work."
He pointed out that thousands of job opportunities have been created solely in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the government has worked to build a strong infrastructure through projects like "My Account" (Hizmarî Min) and the digitization of services.
He also mentioned that private sector companies are now obligated to dedicate 75% of their job openings to local workers, and the Ministry of Interior has limited the hiring of foreign workers
The Minister of Interior also called on the international community and friendly nations to offer greater support for the Kurdistan Regional Government's efforts to develop services, maintain the Region's stability, and protect its constitutional entity and institutions. He stressed: "This guarantees the reduction of the phenomenon of irregular migration by citizens to the West."
He also directed a message to the youth of Kurdistan, stating: "I urge the youth of Kurdistan not to pursue irregular migration routes, as they carry great risks. Instead of migrating, develop your skills and participate in the advancement of Kurdistan
It is noteworthy that the forum's objective was to advance migration governance through a comprehensive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, aligning it with international migration governance priorities—a process in which the Kurdistan Regional Government has taken significant steps.
The event featured several panels that reviewed achievements in migration governance, identified challenges and opportunities, and emphasized the alignment of policies and procedures with the Global Compacts for Migration. They also addressed the causes and dangers of irregular migration among youth. Furthermore, discussions focused on strategies for mitigating the negative aspects of migration related to safety and organization, strengthening coordination between the KRG and the Iraqi Federal Government on migration governance, developing migration policies, and providing services and protection mechanisms for migrants and returnees.
