24 October 2022, CANBERRA – Consul General Aian Caringal met the new officer-in-charge of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Country Office for Australia Mr. Ash Carl at the Embassy of the Philippines on 20 October to exchange views on recent issues and developments affecting migrants.

Consul General Caringal congratulated Mr. Carl and conveyed the appreciation of the Philippine government for the assistance extended by IOM Australia to overseas Filipinos in Australia especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. IOM has so far assisted in the repatriation of over 100 Filipinos in Australia through IOM's Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program.

During the meeting, Consul General Caringal updated the IOM officials on the Philippines’ policy on migration and development including the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers to streamline and strengthen the services provided to Filipino migrant workers. On his part, Mr. Carl shared the new initiatives of the IOM particularly on migration services, visa and travel. IOM welcomed possible collaboration with the Embassy in the future. - END