Our vision:
Connecting people and driving innovative solutions to today’s most complex regional migration opportunities
Michael Spindelegger
Director General
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is an international organisation, with 21 Member States and working in more than 90 countries worldwide. Contributing to the development of better and safer migration policies and programmes, ICMPD takes a holistic approach to migration: structurally linking policy and research, cooperation, community outreach, and capacity development. With over 500 staff members, it takes a regional approach in its work towards efficient cooperation and partnerships along key migration routes, with a focus on Africa, Central and South Asia, Europe, Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
Founded in 1993 with headquarters in Vienna and liaison office in Brussels, ICMPD holds UN observer status and cooperates with more than 200 partners including EU institutions, UN agencies, Member States, and several countries. ICMPD receives contributions from its Member States and bilateral donors, the European Commission, UN partners, and other multilateral institutions.
Watch: "ICMPD in a minute"
Our Purpose
Migration is one of the most important political issues in current public debates - frequently connected with highly emotional, sometimes even extreme or populistic point of views. ICMPD strives to be an objective and fair-minded companion in migration discourses by bringing all important players around the same table.
ICMPD has vast experience in bridging the gap between theory and practice. According to these principles, ICMPD provides policy makers and politicians with the necessary groundwork needed to make decisions. Furthermore, ICMPD is present on the ground with its capacity building activities in various areas of migration management.
Our Mandate
The Agreement on the Establishment and Functioning of ICMPD mentions as a priority goal of the Member States the development and implementation of long-term strategies to cope with the migration phenomenon. Such strategies aim at facilitating early warning, combating root causes, harmonising entry control measures and coordinating alien, asylum and refugee policies. The objectives of the agreement are to promote international cooperation in the area of migration policies, as well as relevant research in these areas. To this end, ICMPD shall analyse current and potential migratory flows to European receiving countries follow and examine the situation in the major countries of origin of migrants and develop measures for the improved recognition and control of migratory movements.
The tasks of the organisation are regularly analysed and adjusted by the Steering Group in line with the evolving policy environment and migratory trends. Relevant decisions are reflected in strategy documents approved by the Steering Group and yearly work programmes and budgets.
Where we are located
ICMPD is a European organisation that deals with the global phenomenon of migration. Europe is more than a geographic location – it embraces principles and values that guide ICMPD's work. European migration governance is built upon strong rule of law principles and the effective protection of human and fundamental rights with a long-standing humanitarian tradition. It stands for multilateralism and a partnership approach.
ICMPD's geographic priorities are set in accordance with the strategic and operational objectives of its Member States and partners. Moreover, ICMPD applies the principles of partnership on an equal footing with a forward-looking orientation and a balancing of interests.
Our History
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) was founded in 1993, upon the initiative of Austria and Switzerland. The organisation was created to serve as a support mechanism for informal consultations, and to provide expertise and efficient services in the newly emerging landscape of multilateral cooperation on migration and asylum issues.