Local MGI (pilot phase)

IOM presents the Local MGI

The project

The role of cities and municipalities in migration governance has grown significantly in recent decades, given the rapid pace of urbanization and the importance of cities as destinations for all forms of migration and displacement. The perception of cities and municipalities as key actors on migration policymaking is closely linked to the emergence of the multi-level governance approach, a model of governance that relies on vertical and horizontal coherence and coordination between different levels of policymaking, ranging from the local to the global.

In an effort to support the discussion between levels of governments on migration governance, IOM has adapted the Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) to the local level to offer a more comprehensive picture of what is done at all levels of governments when it comes to migration.

Building on the national MGI methodology, the local MGI pilot aims to:

  1. Take stock of local migration strategies or initiatives in place, and identify good practices as well as areas that could be further developed.
  2. Foster the dialogue on migration between national governments and local authorities.
  3. Enable local authorities to learn from one another by discussing common challenges and identify potential solutions.

Local MGI model framework

The framework is composed of 87 indicators grouped under 6 different dimensions of migration governance: 

1. Migrants’ rights 

2. Whole of government approach 

3. Partnerships 

4. Socioeconomic well-being of migrants 

5. Mobility dimension of crises

6. Safe, orderly and regular migration

Process and work plan

The project was implemented from 1 August 2018 to 1 April 2019.

Local MGI Process

It consisted of the following activities:

  • Launch of the Local MGI process (August 2018): The first step of the process was to explain what the MGI entails to key government officials, in order to ensure full understanding of the project and complete buy-in.  
  • Data collection (October - December 2018): The second step of the process was to start the collection and analysis of data, based on adapted indicators. A draft Local Migration Governance Profile based on analysis of the findings was then shared with the government counterparts.
  • Multi-stakeholder discussions on the results of the MGI (January - March 2019): The third step of the process was to convene a consultation where local and national government officials, and other stakeholders discuss the good practices and main gaps identified in the draft Local Migration Governance Profile. It was also an opportunity for them to comment and provide suggestions on the draft report.  
  • Final report (February - April 2019): The final step was to finalize the Local Migration Governance Profile and obtain final validation from the government.

Participating cities