The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has already issued a warning that also serves as a cause for concern for several countries in 2026. The agency expects significant financial cuts starting this year, which is not good news for migrants and refugees from different regions, as this could compromise essential support programs for these groups. This budget reduction is a direct consequence of the decrease in major donors to the organisation and has already begun to impact short-term projects.
IOM warns of growing impact if cuts continue until 2026
Speaking in numbers, IOM Director-General Amy Pope reported that the agency’s budget is expected to fall from US$4 billion to approximately US$2.89 billion, representing about a 30% reduction in the total budget, which compromises current operations and hinders possible planning for the coming years. Furthermore, the situation is worsened by the confirmation that 80% of the programs of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have been recently cancelled.
Deeper funding cut threatens humanitarian programs
During a meeting in Geneva, Pope stated that 2026 will be a challenging year, as several donor countries have signalled that they will also cut resources allocated to humanitarian and development actions. The director also cited the United States in her speech, stating that the problem is not limited to American action alone, despite the country representing more than 40% of the organisation’s funding.
“(2026) is where we anticipate seeing the biggest impact on budget, not of course just because of the United States, but we have heard from many of our donors that you anticipate additional cuts to your humanitarian and development financing,” she said in Geneva.
Today, the IOM estimates that approximately 7,000 jobs may be affected. Even if some of the teams are rehired at some point, the reduction will impact the response to migration crises. The agency’s concern is that the pace of service will be hampered or even interrupted at a time when global demand is growing.
Global cuts jeopardise essential services for migrants
What most concerns the IOM is that these cuts are occurring in a global context where migratory flows are becoming more frequent, driven mainly by conflicts, climate crises, and economic instability. In many of these cases, the agency’s support is the only structure available to help families in transit.
In some countries, such as Colombia, where millions of Venezuelans have sought refuge in recent years, IOM programs have been essential in assisting immigrants with access to documentation and basic services. In Congo, the agency works in regions affected by internal displacement and human rights violations.
Now, with the news of budget cuts, some of these services may be reduced or even suspended, which could have direct consequences for humanitarian operations, whose immediate impact usually falls mainly on children and women. Without assistance, many migrate again in even more dangerous conditions.
International pressure is mounting to prevent irreversible damage to the system
During the meeting in Geneva, representatives from several countries suggested that they put pressure on Amy Pope to try to engage in dialogue with the United States and other governments that have reduced their financial contributions, in an attempt to lessen or reverse the impacts that are expected to be more evident now in 2026. Although the director was an advisor to Joe Biden, she did not comment on how the change of government in the United States might influence her actions or future funding decisions.
The IOM warning serves as a call for attention to the impact these cuts will have on migration issues globally. If the cuts are permanent, the year 2026 will bring with it thousands of vulnerable people who will lose essential services. The goal now is to prevent the lack of resources from intensifying existing crises.
