The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has issued a worrying warning about the international migration scenario, which concerns a forecast of significant cuts in 2026, capable of compromising essential programs of the organization, in a global context marked by climate crises, conflicts between nations, and which consequently lead to very high migratory flows. The warning is simple: the less funding, the fewer resources will be available to deal with these crises, which are already growing and could worsen even further in humanitarian terms if the programs are compromised.
IOM warns that budget cuts could destabilize core programs in 2026
Amy Pope, Director-General of the IOM, was responsible for addressing this issue in Geneva, reporting on projections for this year and the consequences that affect lives. According to the organization, the budget could fall from approximately US$4 billion to US$2.89 billion — a reduction that, even in 2025, triggered difficult decisions, such as the termination of projects funded by the United States and the reallocation of part of the staff.
“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,” Pope said in her statement.
Projected cuts put thousands of humanitarian roles at risk
These changes, although planned, will have profound impacts on the lives of many people. Around 6,000 to 7,000 jobs could be affected globally, including doctors in refugee camps, psychologists assisting families who have fled wars, logistics teams distributing drinking water and food, and many others directly linked to the organization’s initiatives.
The IOM operates through projects developed to meet specific needs and particularities, depending on specific funding to maintain local operations. When one or more donors stop contributing, these projects are threatened and may even disappear completely. In many countries, there are no substitutes, and the organization is the only structure that offers protection, documentation, or shelter for migrants.
Direct consequences for vulnerable populations already living in extreme fragility
The cuts represent not only a budget number, but also human numbers that can and will be impacted. In a way, for many of these programs, the news comes as yet another frontier to be crossed by people seeking a new home with new opportunities. IOM’s work in places like Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in supporting Rohingya refugees depends on continuous operations. Interruptions in these cases can have dangerous consequences, including longer waiting lists, lack of vaccines, exposure to human trafficking, and sexual violence.
And the situation becomes even more serious because the demand for help is growing in the current global scenario. Increasingly frequent and intense climate changes trigger floods and droughts that lead to massive displacements. Wars also force entire populations to seek safety beyond borders. The global economy slows down, pushing people to emigrate in search of survival.
The uncertainty of 2026 and the call for shared responsibility among nations
The IOM says it has heard from several donors that further cuts to humanitarian and development programs are “likely,” especially after some decisions by the United States, which now accounts for more than 40% of the IOM’s total budget. When USAID canceled about 80% of its programs, a domino effect hit the organization’s initiatives, weakening the stability needed for long-term action.
The IOM’s warning about the impending cuts is of utmost importance and urgency to avoid humanitarian crises around the world. Migrations occur not for luxury, but simply out of necessity due to adverse factors such as wars and climate issues, and if nothing is done about it, many lives will be harmed and the cost, in the end, will be collective.
