IOM refutes allegations

KATHMANDU, JULY 10: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has denied the allegations that its  Migration Health Assessment Center (MHAC) in Kathmandu is not authorized by the Ministry of Health and Population.

"We operate Migration Health Assessment Centre at the request of migrant-receiving countries and in close coordination with concerned authorities, which authorized the establishment and operation of its facilities. Currently, the IOM MHAC in Nepal provides pre-migration health activities, such as migration health assessments, for individuals migrating to a number of migrant-receiving countries," states a press release recently issued by IOM.

In recent months, the number of Nepali students seeking to study in Australia has increased significantly, as the Australian borders are now open following several years of closure due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the release. "As required by the Government of Australia, these individuals must receive a migration health assessment in order to submit their visa application; as a result, the IOM MHAC in Kathmandu is currently receiving many requests for appointments."

Prospective migrants may find information regarding authorized panel sites on the immigration website of the receiving country's government. As the UN Migration Agency, IOM’s service fees associated with the said activities are determined according to the standards recommended by migrant-receiving countries and on a strictly cost-recovery (not-for-profit) basis, the release claims. 

The IOM is said to be enjoying a collaborative partnership with the ministry, closely coordinating and liaising on migration health-related activities in the country.  "IOM’s MHAC premises are regularly monitored and assessed by the Ministry of Health and Population experts. The Ministry’s continued approval and authorization for IOM to operate its MHACs speaks to the Government’s satisfaction with IOM’s service provision and demonstrates that the Ministry has determined IOM’s work to be in accordance with best standards," the release mentions. 

"In addition to its pre-migration health activities, IOM Nepal contributes to the Government of Nepal’s efforts in migration management and enhanced migration governance through a wide range of projects aligned with IOM’s Migration Governance Framework (MiGoF), the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework," it concludes.