Migrant Resource Centers (MRCs) and information campaigns

The Colombo Process has supported the establishment of Migrant Resource Centers to improve migrants' access to information. The centers aim to provide migrants with direct assistance in terms of information and referral. To date, the setting up of four centers has been initiated in coordination with selected governments. They will provide potential migrants with information about safe migration opportunities and procedures.

The centers will also raise public awareness about problems associated with irregular migration and the risks of recruitment-related abuse, complementing public information campaigns.

At present, there are five MRCs operating in the region. A pilot MRC was opened in Dhaka, Bangladesh in April 2007 at Bangladesh Overseas Employment Service Ltd (BOESL). During the same year, Philippines initiated a Migration Information Resource Center (MIRC) and the National Reintegration Center (for Overseas Filippino Workers). In 2008, the first MRC was launched in India in Kerela and a second one in 2010 in Hyderabad. Nepal launched its Migrant Resource Center in Kathmandu in early 2010.

For more information on MRCs, please contact the Colombo Process Secretariat at: