The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Association of Italian Businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina (AiiBh) have forged an agreement to promote legal migration pathways in support of labor mobility in the Balkan country.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Association of Italian Businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina (AiiBh) signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on promoting legal migration pathways supporting employers and enhancing the economic and social benefits of labor mobility in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The agreement was signed on October 21 in Sarajevo.
The protocol is part of a two-year project funded by the Italian foreign ministry and implemented by the IOM.
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Joint action to safeguard migrants and employers
The agreement, the Italian embassy in Sarajevo said in a statement, "provides for joint actions to foster recruitment processes based on fair, transparent and rights-respecting practices, as well as encouraging a positive narrative about migrants' contribution to economic development."
IOM's Acting Head of Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Michael J. Folliard O'Mahony added: "This agreement is an important step in linking migration governance with the real needs of the labor market."
O'Mahony, added that it "provides a framework for cooperation that protects both migrants and employers, contributing concretely to the sustainable economic growth of the country."
Michele Castoro, AiiBh Board President highlighted that, "through this partnership with the IOM, we want to promote migration as an engine for development, innovation and social cohesion. A sustainable economy cannot ignore the recognition of human potential and diversity."
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Italy's ambassador to Sarajevo says initiative a 'win-win solution'
"We support initiatives that promote regular, transparent and well-managed migration channels," said Italy's Ambassador to Sarajevo Sarah Eti Castellani.
"These are win-win solutions: they help employers cope with labor shortages and offer migrants decent and safe living opportunities, while also helping to disrupt trafficking networks."
The signing took place as part of SDG Week 2025, confirming the signatories' joint commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals and building the institutional and economic resilience that is key for the country's European journey.
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