Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Public Policy (CPP) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) co-hosted a talk highlighting the challenges and opportunities offered by the rigorous collection and systematization of data on policy regulations for diverse migrant groups.

Titled “What Do We Know about Comparative Migration Policies and How Do We Know It,” the event saw Dr. Luicy Pedroza, Professor at El Colegio de México and Associate Fellow at the German Institute of Global and Area Studies’s (GIGA) Institute of Latin American Studies (ILAS), outline two of her recent research projects. She drew from these experiences to underline how this field of research is immensely critical to the design of evidence-based policies. In doing so, Dr. Pedroza also touched upon issues relating to funding, comparative frameworks, and gaps in the analysis of migration policies.

Ms. Iman Ereiqat, Chief of Mission, IOM Qatar, shared insights from her experience and work in the region and around the world. His Excellency Guillermo Ordorica, Mexican Ambassador to the State of Qatar, also attended the event, which took place at Minaretein, Education City, and commented, based on his long experience with the issues.

Commenting on the significance of this event, Dr. Leslie Pal, Dean, CPP said: “Sound migration policies contribute to the well-being of migrants as well as the development of the country of origin and their country of destination. By supporting events such as this lecture, we at the College are transcending borders to facilitate expertise and build capacity in Qatar and beyond by collaborating with distinguished partners from around the world.”

Dr. Pedroza outlined how her projects, titled “Polities Beyond Borders” and “Every Immigrant is an Emigrant,” address a key gap in the research on emigrant politics and policies, as well as contribute to the comparative study of migration policies. 

Supported by the German Research Foundation, “Polities Beyond Borders” highlights the role of state–migrant relations as a key factor in the success of certain communities to organize themselves politically beyond their country of origin. With support from the Leibniz Association, “Every Immigrant is an Emigrant” explores the policy nexus between “admission”, “settlement” and “access to citizenship.”

The College of Public Policy (CPP) accomplishes HBKU’s priority to contribute to effective policy development, evaluation and dialogue in support of QNV 2030. It provides a uniquely situated venue for public conversation in Qatar, and a center for teaching and researching responses to policy questions of local and global relevance.