International Organization for Migration Director General holds press conference

The Director General said the IOM has been functioning in Azerbaijan for ten years. This is his second visit to Azerbaijan during this period. He stated that he had bilateral official talks in several state organizations during the four-day visit in Azerbaijan. Mr.McKinley said his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev was of importance, APA reports.

The Director General noted that Azerbaijan has achieved significant improvements regarding regulation of migration process since his first visit. He said the OIM jointly with the European Union renders assistance to Azerbaijan in controlling of borders adding the EU is interested in making border services in Azerbaijan in line with international standards.

The IOM also assists Azerbaijan in the struggle against human trafficking. The Organization’s projects implemented in Azerbaijan focus on protection of trafficking victims and their repatriation.

"There are also Azerbaijanis among migrants who cannot return to their home countries. Most of such migrants are from the South-Eastern Asian countries. We are ready to cooperate with Azerbaijan regarding this issue, and we make our proposals to the Azerbaijani government in this connection," Mr.McKinley said.

The IOM Director General said they offer assistances to Azerbaijan in other spheres as well and noted the IOM can assist our country in preparing biometric measures of documents on road and identity cards. The organization presented the offer to the Azerbaijani government.

"Azerbaijan takes interest in preparing biometric measures of documents on road and will accept this proposal," the Director General Said.