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Palau Completes Final Validation Workshop for First National Migration Policy

On October 16, 2025 – Marked a significant milestone for the Republic of Palau with the successful completion of the final validation workshop for the draft National Migration Policy and Action Plan. This achievement represents the culmination of more than eighteen months of dedicated work, cross-sector collaboration, and extensive national dialogue.

Throughout the development process, consultations were held with over 40 stakeholders across government ministries, civil society organizations, the private sector, the Palauan diaspora, and international partners. Their perspectives and contributions have been instrumental in shaping a policy that reflects Palau’s national priorities, social context, and long-term development vision.

The Government of Palau extends its appreciation to all stakeholders who participated in this effort, helping to build a policy framework that will guide the nation’s approach to migration management, mobility, and diaspora engagement for years to come.

A special acknowledgment is extended to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Palau team—Frederica Rodrigues, Yumie Morishita, and Natasha Katusiime—for their exceptional leadership and coordination throughout the drafting process. Their work in facilitating consultations, consolidating national inputs, drafting policy chapters, and ensuring the process remained inclusive and well-structured has been critical to the successful completion of this draft.

The draft National Migration Policy and Action Plan now moves forward to the next steps in the adoption process. Once endorsed, it will serve as Palau’s first comprehensive national framework to guide migration governance and support the country’s economic development, societal well-being, and international engagement.

Palau remains committed to strengthening its migration systems in ways that support national resilience, safeguard social cohesion, and empower communities at home and abroad.

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Oath of Office Swearing-in Ceremony of Newly Appointed Chief of Immigration

Koror, Palau – The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection proudly announces the official swearing-in of Mr. Egan Tewid as the new Chief of Immigration under the Division of Immigration. The ceremony took place on Thursday, April 17, 2025, signifying a new chapter in leadership for Palau’s immigration services.

The Oath of Office was administered by Director of the Bureau of Public Safety, Mr. Curtis Elobt, and witnessed by Director of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, Mr. John Tarkong Jr., Chief of Corporate Services, Mr. Robert Tarkong, along with Mr. Tewid’s family members who were present to commemorate the occasion.

Mr. Tewid holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Guam and previously worked under the Bureau of Budget and Planning, where he gained valuable experience in public sector planning and operations. His background in criminal justice and his understanding of government systems position him well to lead the Division with competence and purpose.

As Chief of Immigration, Mr. Tewid will oversee immigration operations, ensure the enforcement of immigration laws, facilitate effective inter-agency coordination, and support efforts to modernize immigration services. His leadership is expected to strengthen institutional integrity, improve operational efficiency, and enhance service to the public and travelers.

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection welcomes Chief Tewid into this key leadership role and looks forward to his contributions in advancing the mission and goals of the Division of Immigration for the Republic of Palau.

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Palau Takes Major Step Towards Developing National Migration Policy

Malakal – The Government of Palau, with technical assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has made significant progress in creating the country’s first national migration policy. On February 6-7, 2025, stakeholders convened in Malakal to review findings from a research study on Palau’s migration context.

The study, conducted by IOM and commissioned by the Government of Palau, forms the foundation for the nation’s migration policy. IOM consulted nearly 30 key stakeholders and conducted an extensive literature review to ensure the policy is based on robust data and evidence.

The workshop brought together members of the Coordinated Border Management (CBM) Working Group, government entities, civil society organizations, migrant associations, the diplomatic corps, and other key actors involved in migration governance.

Participants discussed five critical themes: Emigration, Diaspora Engagement, and Return; Migrant Worker Issues; Trafficking in Persons; Internal Migration; and Border Management and Law Enforcement.

During the workshop, stakeholders validated the research findings and considered how the policy could address Palau’s unique migration challenges and opportunities. They also explored solutions for supporting the return and reintegration of Palauan living abroad, hiring foreign migrant workers, climate-induced displacement, and strengthening border management systems.

“The insights gathered during this workshop will ensure that Palau’s migration policy is comprehensive, inclusive, and responsive to the country’s needs,” said Mr. John Tarkong Jr., Director, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. “Through collaborative efforts, we are building a stronger framework to manage migration effectively and harness its benefits for Palau’s socioeconomic development.”

IOM’s Chief of Mission for Micronesia, Salvatore Sortino, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting Palau’s migration governance efforts. “Migration, when well-managed, can be a powerful driver of economic and social development. This policy will help Palau address challenges while unlocking the benefits of migration for its people. We are proud to support the Government of Palau in this crucial initiative,” Sortino said.

The policy is being developed under the Building Bridges: Developing a Comprehensive National Migration Policy for the Republic of Palau project, which was launched in February 2024 in the presence of President Surangel Whipps Jr. and his Cabinet of Ministers. Funded by the IOM Development Fund, the project aims to enhance migration governance frameworks through improved coordination, policy development, and capacity-building initiatives tailored to national contexts.

As part of this initiative, in May 2024, IOM conducted a three-day ‘Migration Management’ course for Palauan government officials to equip them with the tools and knowledge necessary for active participation in policy formulation. These officials applied their newfound skills and insights during the recent research validation workshop.

The research validation workshop marked an essential step in Palau’s journey towards a structured and strategic approach to migration management. The policy development process will continue in the coming months, ensuring that all stakeholders remain engaged in shaping a migration framework that benefits Palau and its people.

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Migration Management Course Empowers Palauan Government Stakeholders

Koror, Palau – The Republic of Palau tackled its unique migration challenges head-on with a three-day Migration Management Course held from May 7-9, 2024 at the Palau Royal Resort. Organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) bringing in key stakeholders from the Coordinated Border Management Working Group (CBMWG) as well as other partner agencies from NEMO, MHRCTD, and MOS, the course aimed to address critical issues surrounding migration governance and policy development.

Palau faces distinct migration dynamics due to its geography, economic status, climate change vulnerabilities, and the Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the United States. Despite the potential benefits migration could bring to Palau’s development, the absence of national policies has delayed effective management of migration trends and outcomes.

In response, the “Building Bridges” project, initiated in 2023, aimed to develop a comprehensive national migration policy for Palau. This endeavor seeks to integrate findings form the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Governance Indicators exercise and prioritize gender considerations. The resulting policy will align with Palau’s broader development strategies, including the National Policy and the Palau Development Plan.

The recent capacity-building training, drawing upon IOM’s “Essential of Migration Management” program, equipped CBMWG members and stakeholders with tools to actively engage in policy formulation. Facilitated by IOM experts, participants gained insights into key migration issues such as labor migration, climate change adaptation, and diaspora engagement.

The workshop’s objectives included fostering a distinct understanding of migration’s dual nature as both a challenge and an opportunity, and empowering stakeholders to contribute effectively to policy development and implementation. Participants left the training prepared to collaborate across government agencies, civil society, and international organizations to advance Palau’s migration governance agenda.

With a holistic and participatory approach emphasizing shared expertise and collective learning, the course ensured that the participants were actively engaged and primed to drive positive change in Palau’s migration landscape.