IOM in Turkmenistan

The IOM office in Turkmenistan officially was opened at the end of September 1997. Turkmenistan joined the International Organization for Migration as an Observer State in November 1997. The Agreement of Cooperation between Turkmenistan and IOM was signed in June 1998. 

Migration Issues

The suitable geographic position of Turkmenistan between Asia and Europe makes this region very attractive for using its territory as a transit country or country of destination for people from neighboring countries where cases of trouble and military conflicts occurred. These facts induced the Turkmen government to establish in February 2003 a separate Agency dealing with all migration issues – the State Service of Turkmenistan for Registration of Foreigners.

IOM Objectives in Turkmenistan

1. To assist the Government of Turkmenistan to improve migration management.
2. To assist the Government of Turkmenistan in the creation of national legislation in the field of migration and trafficking in human beings in managing migration flows and prevention and combating trafficking in human beings.
3. To provide the Government of Turkmenistan with development mechanisms in coordination with other government agencies, international organizations and NGOs on undesired internal migration, and prevention of the spread of human trafficking in Turkmenistan.