Youth’s role in safe, legal migration spotlighted in IOM's talk show

Addressing the event, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis noted that migration and youth are intertwined, citing IOM’s data showing that about 31% of the world's 281 million migrants are under the age of 30.

While on the move, young people act like ambassadors. They cultivate new connections, expand understanding about different parts of the world, and create more knowledge. The networks and knowledge fostered consequently transforms migration as a path for progress. This is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, she said, adding that the path is not always easy.

Noting that there are just five years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, she called on the community to help young people develop necessary skills to be competitive in the labour market and to thrive in the digital world.

Kendra Rinas, IOM Chief of Mission in Vietnam, stated that the event reflected the organisation’s commitment to supporting and accompanying the Vietnamese Government in promoting safe, orderly, and legal migration. It also provides a platform for young people, including migrant youths, to share knowledge and experiences about the benefits of migration.

Highlighting the crucial role of young people in addressing the complicated issues surrounding migration, Rinas underlined that young people are leaders of tomorrow's society. Their voices, ideas, and actions are vital in shaping migration policies and strategies, contributing to Vietnam's fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals, she stated.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director of the Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Phan Thi Minh Giang said that for a safe migration journey, migrants need a solid foundation. Migrants should prepare thoroughly before embarking on their journeys, equipping themselves with the necessary information, knowledge, and skills, particularly in terms of how to behave, prevent risks, and protect themselves in challenging situations, or when facing discrimination or vulnerability abroad, she said.

Giang pointed to the need that migration should be approached in an open and balanced manner, explaining that the UN, in its 2030 Agenda, has recognised migration as a factor contributing to sustainable development. It is crucial that all stakeholders cooperate closely to enable legal, safe, and orderly migration, while safeguarding the rights and legitimate interests of migrants, she said.

The official briefed participants on Vietnam’s efforts to ensure safe immigration and support immigrants, noting that about 100,000 Vietnamese workers go abroad each year (excepting for COVID-19 pandemic period) to work under contracts, while about 10,000 others travel to other countries to study.

In 2020, Vietnam promulgated the Law on Vietnamese Guest Workers and related guiding documents. Most recently, on November 28, 2024, the National Assembly passed the Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Control (revised), which includes provisions on migration counselling to prevent human trafficking when individuals cross borders, she noted, highlighting the close coordination among authorised agencies in dealing with issues related to migration and supporting migrants.

Giang also underscored that Vietnam has closely collaborated with countries and international partners to create a global network that ensures legal and safe migration while combating irregular migration. In particular, the country has been implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) seriously and effectively, she added.

The event also saw the participation of Vietnamese footballer Huynh Nhu – the first Vietnamese female player to sign a contract with a foreign football club, and Hao Tran, who decided to leave behind a promising career in the US to return to Vietnam and reconnect with his roots. Participants were inspired by the story of a content creator – a young mother who migrated to Canada, found her voice through social media, and is now inspiring thousands of young people while serving as a cultural bridge between Vietnam and Canada.