Using administrative sources and migration databases for statistics generation IOM Migration Information Systems UNECE Workshop, Minsk 28-29, 2015 By Zeynal HAJIYEV IOM Belarus Chief of Mission

IOM Globally and in Belarus Established in 1951 (156 Member and 10 Observer States, over 400 field offices); Belarus joined IOM in 1994 as an observer and and then also as a full fledge member (2005); 2

IOM Globally And in Belarus IOM acts to: – assist in meeting operational challenges of migration management – Advance understanding of migration issues – Encourage social and economic development through migration – Uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants In Belarus, IOM operates in areas such as: – Migration and Border Management – Combating Trafficking in Human Beings – Migration health / Movements / Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration 3

In this presentation: Some Important Points Sources of migration data Data challenges for migration policy makers Practical solutions: migration information systems developed by IOM 4

Migration statistics Some Important Points Despite the belief that in most parts of the world, international migration is strongly regulated, challenges linked with migration are growing; Accurate data and statistics on international migration are needed to plan for and provide budgetary support to migration related administrative and policy measures; Accurate data can correct potential misinformation in public debate and policy making regarding migration: “EVIDENCE BASED POLICIES VRS POLICY BIASED EVIDENCES”; Data on population, including immigrants, is needed primarily for social infrastructure: roads, schools, hospitals, housing. 5

Four main sources of migration data available to National Statistics Offices: – Administrative registers, such as population registers, or registers kept on foreigners in the country – Other administrative sources, such as databases created on issuance of work permits, residence permits, or asylum – Border statistics, derived from collection of information at ports of entry into and departure from a country – Household-based inquiries such as population censuses, or other household surveys 6 Migration statistics – sources of migration data

AVRR statistics through MiMOSA Data challenges for migration policy makers The availability of migration data is unpredictable and unsystematic; Accuracy, or how well the data reflects reality, can be difficult to achieve due to a host of factors; The comprehensiveness of international migration data depends upon the extent to which data is regularly collected and compiled. Timeliness of data is a crucial factor when crafting migration policies. Comparability refers to the challenge of establishing common migration terminology and definitions among States. The issue of confidentiality is an important consideration in the collection and sharing of data. 7

MiMOSA (Migrant Management & Operational System Application) Displacement tracking Migrant death report / missing migrant project MIDAS and its capacities to generate statistics 8 Information Systems developed by IOM

MiMOSA is a web application developed to streamline migrant processing, improve data quality, security, and reporting MiMOSA is the global application used by IOM to record migrant biographic and demographic information required for case processing and services for: – Assisted Voluntary Returns, – Counter Trafficking – Medical (health) assessments – Movement activities 9 MIMOSA

MiMOSA: Objectives Streamline User Experience -- User friendly screens -- Data entered in one place -- Standardized process Tighten Information Security -- User Roles to manage information access -- Improved Data Validation -- Consolidation of Databases Enhance Reporting -- Rationalize number of reports within the system -- Standard Reporting approach across Activities 10

11 MIMOSA Reduces data processing time Reduce data duplication Process streamlining through incorporating standard forms and procedures Operational tool Pipeline management Quantitative reports Quality control (single data source) Case based reporting Data Management Internal (between IOM offices in sending and receiving countries) External (interface with migrant receiving countries) Data Sharing

12 Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM)

13 Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM)

Migrant death report 14

Migrant death report 15

Introduction to MIDAS IOM’s border management information system (BMIS) Electronic/IT based system to record information on temporary and permanent migrants Available to states with no or inadequate border system to equip themselves with tools to manage migration Affordable, flexible and basic system with some advanced tools like capacity to take biometrics High-quality performance suitable for installation in remote areas, at all types of ports of entry 16

Why use BMIS/MIDAS? To support the day-to-day migration process through: Correlating entry and exit records, identifying those who overstay; Identifying those on alert/stop lists and preventing entry; Supporting efforts to enforce international conventions on trans- national crime. To use travel data to create immigration intelligence in order to: Evaluate effectiveness of any current policies; Create new or strengthen existing policies on permanent or temporary migration, on regular and irregular arrivals. To connect migration, customs, enforcement systems in order to: Facilitate legitimate travel and trade; Support comprehensive approach to border management. 17

What is MIDAS? A BMIS that allows for the collection, processing, storage and dissemination of travelers’ biographic & biometric information Microsoft-based Extracts and stores traveler data from Machine Readable Travel documents; supports manual entry as well Collects and verifies fingerprints Allows for creation and use of automated alert lists Allows generation of customized reports, by origin, port of entry or purpose of travel Can be connected to other national or international systems : – Customs, national police, Interpol Not a competitor to existing products 18

MIDAS Structure 19

Before/After MIDAS 20 Paper files, no automated transfer or storage Before MIDAS After MIDAS Data stored on computer and MIDAS server, shared with HQ, border posts, other domestic agencies No checking domestic or international alert lists; manual interactions No checking domestic or international alert lists; manual interactions Automated data capture and checks of domestic and international alert lists

MIDAS Sample Screen 21

What IOM Can Provide 22 Border Assessments Installation of MIDAS hardware and software Border infrastructure buildings, power supply, furnishings Equipment at and connections between headquarters and border posts Workstations Fingerprint readers, passport scanners Servers Connections to other national systems MIDAS IT expertise Customization of the software to suit local needs Languages, style of reports Post-installation support for a year for minor troubleshooting Additional post-installation support at cost

What IOM Can Provide, cont. 23 Training and Development Basic IT skills for border and headquarters officers Maintenance and support of the hardware and software for IT Administrators Budgeting and managing IT systems Assessing costs to maintain the system; maintenance schedules Using border data to develop migration policy and to manage the border Risk assessments; creating and using alert lists Document fraud Data management, privacy protection

MIDAS Installations 24 MIDAS or some of its components has been installed in 20 countries 17 in Africa, 1 in South America, 2 in Central Europe Land, air and sea ports, and headquarters MIDAS and I/24-7 can connect MIND devices have been installed at MIDAS border posts in Tanzania, Belize and Djibouti IOM and INTERPOL have successfully connected the systems, but Challenges with updating MIND devices in remote locations More could be done to provide training to deal with “hits”

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