Migrant Resource Centre (MRC)

What do the MRCs do?

In collaboration with its partner countries, the Silk Routes project establishes and operates Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) to help people make informed decisions when considering to migrate. They provide outgoing, intending and potential migrants with information on a broad range of migration-related challenges and opportunities.

How do they work?

A team of counsellors provides consultations in person, by phone and via other online platforms, and raises awareness of the benefits of safe and regular migration and the dangers and consequences of irregular migration. The MRCs are located in the capitals and/or major cities of the Silk Routes countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, and Pakistan as well as Tajikistan.

What do they provide?

The Migrant Resource Centres strive to provide:

Clear and understandable information to outgoing, intending and potential migrants on possibilities for safe, legal and orderly migration, as well as rules and regulations, including relevant pre-departure information.
Pre-departure orientation (where applicable) and information on work and living conditions abroad, rights and obligations, access to protection mechanisms and information on return processes and referral to reintegration support upon return.
Awareness raising of potential migrants and local communities on the risks, dangers and consequences of irregular migration.
Information on return processes and referral to reintegration support upon return.

Who are the local partners?

MRCs do not only provide information to the public and migrants but also to governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, who are directly or indirectly involved in the facilitation or communication of migration and related issues. Moreover, they also support relevant government structures to build and enhance their capacities in the area of migration management. MRCs also conduct information sessions in relevant locations and events, such as vocational and technical training schools, universities, colleges and schools as well as with the communities and during conferences and other events.

The work of the MRCs is adapted to the local context and can develop further activities based on the needs of each country. They are established and managed jointly by the responsible government authority and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). They are operated by a minimum of three staff – one coordinator and two counsellors.

Where do the MRCs operate?

There are currently two MRCs operating in Lahore and Islamabad, Pakistan; one in Kabul, Afghanistan; one in Baghdad, Iraq; two in Dhaka and Cumilla, Bangladesh; and one in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The expansion of the MRCs in Pakistan at the district level are also under way.

Training

Are you planning to work abroad? Do you want to know how our MRCs could help you?

Please visit our dedicated website which includes online training modules for migrants and migrant workers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq and Pakistan.

https://www.icmpdsilkroutesmodules.com/

These cover the three major stages of migration and labour migration:
pre-migration or pre-employment, pre-departure, post-arrival.

Information for potential donors, beneficiaries and partners

Are you interested in finding out more about our MRCs? Would you like to partner with us? Are you a government agency who would like to open an MRC in your country?

We would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us to find out more.