IOM Vietnam, in collaboration with the country's Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA), conducted the first training workshop for labour migrant counsellors on the protection of migrants in crisis situations. The workshop, implemented as part of IOM's commitment to implement the MICIC Guidelines, aimed to enhance the participants' ability to provide migrants with comprehensive information on safe migration - including preparedness and response information on possible crises migrants might face while abroad.

The training was delivered in Vinh City, Nghe An Province and was attended by 24 provincial officials (7 women and 17 men) from the MRC, DOLISA, the Women’s Union, the Youth Union and Public Security. The participants were engaged in interactive activities including role plays and group exercises, through which they could explore the main elements of crisis preparedness, including key impacts on migrants and preparedness actions, as well as relevant coordination mechanisms and procedures to provide assistance. 

The training was well received and participants demostrated a marked increase in knowledge on the protection of migrants in the event of crises abroad. The expectation now is that the information and materials provided through the training will be integrated in existing orientation trainings that are delivered to migrants before their departure from Vietnam. 

The training was delivered under IOM's Regional Program of Protection and Assistance to Vulnerable Migrants, funded by the United States' Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.