Open Borders Immigration Consultants (OBIC) had the privilege of attending the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) Consultative Meeting held at Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) yesterday. The session was part of South Africa’s preparations for the IMRF 2026, scheduled to take place in New York this May.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders and government departments, with rapporteurs from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Stats SA, and the Department of Home Affairs. The forum provided an important platform for discussing South Africa’s migration strategies and priorities in alignment with global frameworks.
Objectives of the Consultation
The consultative meeting focused on:
- Strengthening migration data collection and reporting systems.
- Enhancing intergovernmental and international collaboration on migration matters.
- Aligning national migration policies with global standards and frameworks.
- Identifying key priorities and challenges to be addressed at IMRF 2026.
Key Takeaways
The discussions highlighted the importance of:
- Coordinated efforts across government departments and agencies.
- Evidence-based policymaking to respond to migration trends effectively.
- Strategic collaboration with international partners in preparation for IMRF 2026.
OBIC values the opportunity to contribute to these discussions and remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote effective and well-managed migration systems. These engagements are critical for ensuring South Africa’s meaningful participation in global migration conversations.
