Who we are

Since 1952, when Austria joined the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as one of its first Member States, the IOM Country Office for Austria has worked to assist migrants and promote adequate responses to migration issues, bearing in mind the well-being of migrants and the interests of States and their societies. In particular, in the wake of several crises during and immediately after the end of the Cold War era, Austria received large numbers of refugees, many of whom were subsequently resettled with the help of IOM and other agencies. Learn more about IOM in Austria.

IOM Global

With 175 member states, a further 8 states holding observer status and offices in over 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.

The IOM Constitution recognizes the link between migration and economic, social and cultural development, as well as to the right of freedom of movement.

IOM works in the four broad areas of migration management:

• Migration and development
• Facilitating migration
• Regulating migration
• Forced migration.

IOM activities that cut across these areas include the promotion of international migration law, policy debate and guidance, protection of migrants' rights, migration health and the gender dimension of migration.