14 May 2015 -- IOM is pleased that a number of its key recommendations to the European Union (EU) – including saving lives and sharing responsibility for asylum seekers across all member states – are part of new proposals put forward by the European Commission on Wednesday (13/5) to tackle the migration crisis in the Mediterranean.

The proposed changes hold out the promise of safer legal migration avenues and improved access to international protection. “These initiatives reflect serious and constructive approaches to a challenge which IOM expects to continue,” said IOM Director General William Lacy Swing.

IOM stands ready to contribute to the development of sound migration policies that will create improved legal channels for people seeking work and for asylum seekers. It believes that sound labour migration policies are key to a more competitive Europe