Mio Sato, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission in Pakistan, said migration should be a choice and not a necessity.
This stance highlights the distinction between voluntary migration for opportunity and forced migration driven by desperation. Addressing the systemic drivers of displacement is critical for ensuring that individuals move across borders safely and with agency rather than out of survival.
Sato said the remarks during the launch of the Pakistan Migration Report 2025 [1]. The report serves as a framework for understanding the current trends and challenges facing migrants within the country and those leaving its borders.
By framing migration as a voluntary action, the IOM seeks to shift the focus toward improving local conditions. When people are forced to leave their homes due to economic instability or lack of resources, they are more vulnerable to exploitation and hazardous journeys.
"Migration should be a choice and not a necessity," Sato said [1].
The IOM continues to work with Pakistani authorities to develop policies that make migration more accessible and regulated. This involves creating pathways that protect the rights of migrants, and ensure they have legal protections regardless of their destination.
“Migration should be a choice and not a necessity.”
The IOM's emphasis on voluntary migration suggests a policy shift toward addressing the 'push factors'—such as poverty or instability—that force citizens to leave Pakistan. By advocating for migration as a choice, the organization is signaling that sustainable development at home is the primary way to reduce the risks associated with irregular and forced migration.
