IOM in Australia

Established in 1951, IOM is part of the United Nations System and stands as the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. 

IOM in Australia is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. It does so by providing support to migrants across the world, developing effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration and providing advice on migration policy and practice. 

IOM’s Australia work is focused on the following three objectives: 

• Saving lives and protecting people on the move: To fulfill this objective, IOM puts the safety, dignity and protection of people first in the most challenging crisis response contexts in the world. 

• Driving solutions to displacement: In response to this aim, IOM endeavors to reduce the risks and impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, conflict and instability for communities affected by or at risk of displacement. 

• Facilitating pathways for regular migration: To address this pursuit, IOM prioritizes whole-of-government, whole-of-society approaches to safely connect people, goods, services, knowledge and innovation. 

IOM Australia functions under the strategic and operational guidance of the IOM Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, based in Bangkok. 

IOM Australia holds the role of Country Office for Partnerships and Advocacy, as well as the role of Country Office with Coordination Function for New Zealand.  

Under this role, IOM Australia acts as liaison office to the Australian government for international cooperation with IOM offices around the globe in the humanitarian, development and mobility fields. 

Today, more than 40 employees of 19 different nationalities work for IOM in Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide. 

Since October 2024 David Knight is Chief of Mission.