Kateryna Pavlichenko discussed with IOM support for reforms in the field of migration and border management

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Kateryna Pavlichenko held a meeting with a delegation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Among the main topics of discussion were progress in developing the Integrated Border Management Strategy and the State Migration Policy Strategy.

At the beginning of the meeting, Kateryna Pavlichenko thanked the partners for their comprehensive cooperation and implementation of joint initiatives that bring Ukrainian legislation closer to EU standards.

"The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine considers its partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to be a key element in strengthening the capacity of state bodies in the areas of migration policy, citizenship, asylum, and integrated border management. Cooperation with the IOM has made it possible to implement a number of important initiatives, in particular, bringing Ukrainian legislation closer to EU standards, as well as preparing new strategic documents in the field of migration and border security," the Deputy Minister said, addressing the partners.

In turn, IOM's Deputy Director General SungAh Lee said that cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs was always about results, despite the challenges posed by the full-scale invasion.

"First of all, I would like to express my solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who are showing courage and resilience in these difficult times. Despite this, our partnership continues, and you are demonstrating results. Thank you for your leadership in protecting the rights of children crossing the border and for your commitment to European reforms,“ said Ms SungAh Lee.

Kateryna Pavlichenko also commended the IOM for its support and comprehensive assistance in implementing the project ”EU Support to Ukraine: Strengthening Integrated Border Management and Solidarity Lanes."

"Thanks to this project, the State Migration Service has gained expertise in harmonizing legislation, strengthening cybersecurity and analytical capabilities, improving staff qualifications, and modernizing infrastructure, as well as material and technical support. This is key to the institutional stability of the migration management system in the context of war and Ukraine's European integration," added the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

Kateryna Pavlichenko emphasized that on the path to the EU, the Ministry of Internal Affairs considers effective border management and the development of modern migration policy to be key components of state policy.

That is why the Ministry of Internal Affairs is interested in further promoting relevant strategic documents and close coordination with international partners.

Separately, the participants focused on further cooperation, its prospects, challenges, and key needs in the context of Ukraine's European integration course and post-war recovery.

In turn, the Head of the State Migration Service of Ukraine, Natalia Naumenko, expressed her gratitude to IOM for its long-standing support and effective partnership: "For the State Migration Service, IOM is a reliable and proven partner. You have walked with us through the entire difficult path of development and remain by our side. Everything that works like clockwork today, from IT solutions to registry systems, is largely thanks to you. We appreciate your support in developing European standards," said Natalia Naumenko.

For his part, First Deputy Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Volodymyr Nikiforenko highlighted the importance of long-standing cooperation with the International Organization for Migration and its impact on systemic changes in border security: "We have been strategic partners for over ten years. During this time, we have jointly implemented 33 successful joint projects. Thanks to the IOM, we have managed to implement all of our key initiatives, including the development of an Integrated Border Management Strategy. Many technical solutions have also been created together with you, and each step we take together is a step toward a sustainable result."

Kateryna Pavlichenko emphasized the importance of continued support from the IOM at all stages, from the development of legislative initiatives to their implementation in practice.

The parties paid particular attention to the issue of strengthening the capacities of the State Border Guard Service and the State Migration Service. The prospects for digitalization were also discussed: modernization of registries, updating biometric systems, development of analytical tools, and integration with European IT platforms, which will significantly improve the efficiency of migration management.

The issue of staff training remains equally important. The participants agreed that the training programs developed in cooperation with the IOM should go on.

"We want to keep improving the professional knowledge and skills of the State Migration Service, State Border Guard Service, and National Police of Ukraine, focusing on key areas like following international standards and human rights, in particular, regarding the detention of detainees, respect for human rights and proper registration of foreigners, studying international legislation in the field of combating human trafficking and best practices for its application. Regarding crisis management: developing the capacity to respond effectively to conflict and crisis situations at the state border. And protection of vulnerable groups: improving knowledge and skills in detecting, identifying, and protecting vulnerable groups of migrants, implementing national programs or action plans to combat human trafficking, as well as the establishment of effective mechanisms for cooperation between law enforcement agencies and non-governmental organizations," said the Deputy Minister.

Concluding the meeting, Kateryna Pavlichenko noted that the Ministry of Internal Affairs sees IOM as a reliable strategic partner in implementing comprehensive migration policy, developing a modern border system, and bringing Ukraine closer to membership in the European Union.

“We highly value our partnership with IOM as systematic, stable, and strategically important. We are confident that together we could implement all the necessary changes for effective management of migration processes, building a reliable border system, and Ukraine’s successful accession to the EU,” Kateryna Pavlichenko concluded.