About the Migration Governance Indicators

Migrants' rights

Indicators in this domain assess the extent to which migrants have the same status as citizens in terms of access to basic social services such as health, education, and social security. It also describes the rights of migrants to family reunification, to work, and to residency and citizenship. The ratification of the main international conventions is also included within this domain.

Indicators in this category look at the extent to which migrants have access to certain social services such as health, education and social security. They also examine measures to ensure integration and access to work.

Whole of government approach

Indicators in this domain assess countries’ institutional, legal, and regulatory frameworks related to migration policies. Domain 2 also reviews the existence of national migration strategies that are in-line with development, as well as institutional transparency and coherence in relation to migration management. This domain also investigates the extent to which governments collect and use migration data.

Indicators in this category assess the institutional frameworks of cities for migration. This area also examines the existence of migration strategies consistent with development objectives, as well as institutional transparency and coherence in migration management.

Partnerships

This domain focuses on countries’ efforts to cooperate on migration-related issues with other states and with relevant non-governmental actors, including civil society organizations and the private sector. Cooperation can lead to improvements in governance by aligning and raising standards, increasing dialogue and providing structures to overcome challenges.

Indicators in this category focus on cities’ efforts to cooperate on migration issues with the national government as well as other cities and relevant non-governmental actors, including civil society organizations and the private sector.

Well-being of migrants

This domain includes indicators on countries’ policies for managing the socioeconomic well-being of migrants, through aspects such as the recognition of migrants’ educational and professional qualifications, provisions regulating student migration and the existence of bilateral labour agreements between countries. Indicators equally focus on policies and strategies related to diaspora engagement and migrant remittances.

Indicators in this category assess cities’ initiatives in terms of international student mobility, access to the labour market and decent working conditions for migrant workers. Aspects related to diaspora engagement and migrant remittances are also included in this domain.

Mobility dimensions of crises

This domain studies the type and level of preparedness of countries when they are faced with mobility dimensions of crises, linked to either disasters, the environment and/or conflict. The questions are used to identify the processes in place for nationals and non-nationals both during and after disasters, including whether humanitarian assistance is equally available to migrants as it is to citizens.

Indicators in this category examine the type and level of readiness of cities to deal with aspects of mobility crises. The questions focus on the processes in place for citizens and non-citizens both during and after disasters, especially if humanitarian assistance is available for migrants and citizens.

Safe, orderly and regular migration

This domain analyses countries’ approach to migration management in terms of border control and enforcement policies, admission criteria for migrants, preparedness and resilience in the case of significant and unexpected migration flows, as well as the fight against trafficking in human beings and smuggling of migrants. It also assesses efforts and incentives to help integrate returning citizens.

Indicators in this category look at the cities’ approaches to migrant safety as well as return and reintegration policies and the fight against trafficking in persons.

Key findings

INTRODUCTION

This local Profile describes examples of well-developed areas of City of Gompa (Liberia)’s governance structures and areas with potential for further development, as evaluated through the six domains of the Migration Governance Indicators (MGI). These address migrants’ rights, a “whole-of-government” approach, partnerships, socioeconomic well-being of migrants, the mobility dimensions of crises, and safe and orderly migration.

Click the icons on the wheel to explore the key findings.

The Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) initiative is a policy-benchmarking programme led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and implemented with research and analysis from the Economist Impact. Funding is provided by IOM Member States.

Key findings

MIGRANTS’ RIGHTS

Migration Governance: examples of well-developed areas

In practice, all regular migrants and those displaced by emergencies can access government-funded health services on the same basis as citizens.
In Gompa, Liberia, migrants have access to free pre-primary, primary, and secondary education, as mandated by the national Education Reform Act (2011).

Areas with potential for further development

Gompa City lacks policies to address the unique healthcare needs of migrants, who may face challenges like language barriers and cultural differences, limiting equitable access to healthcare services.
There are no local information or awareness campaigns in Gompa aimed at combating xenophobia, promoting migrant acceptance, or fostering social cohesion.
Establishing measures to prevent discriminatory practices toward migrants in Gompa’s social services is an area with potential for further development.
Gompa City does not provide orientation or welcome programs for newly arrived migrants nor assistance for those wishing to emigrate.

Key findings

WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT APPROACH

Migration Governance: examples of well-developed areas

The Gompa City Corporation manages city services, and in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Local Government Act (2018), which extend to migrants.

Areas with potential for further development

The Gompa City Corporation lacks a dedicated unit or department for migration policy, and there is no local migration policy or strategy.
Establishing a local coordination mechanism on migration is an area with potential for further development.
There are no local awareness campaigns or information sources in Gompa to inform migrants of their rights, obligations, or access to public services.
Enhancing vertical policy coherence on migration-related issues is an area with potential for further development.
The publication of district-level migration data, particularly disaggregated by sex, is an area with potential for development, with data currently only gathered during national censuses or upon request.

Key findings

PARTNERSHIPS

Migration Governance: examples of well-developed areas

The 2023 Gompa City Corporation Annual Report notes past dialogues with the Nigerian and Ghanaian Migrant Associations.

Areas with potential for further development

Enhancing formal engagement with civil society, the private sector, diaspora members, and academia for setting and implementing migration-related policies is an area with potential for further development.
Gompa is not part of any international networks for knowledge exchange on migration, nor does it have bilateral city-to-city cooperation programs on migration issues, either domestically or internationally.
The Association of Mayors and Local Government Authorities of Liberia (AMLOGAL), which Gompa’s City Mayor is part of, promotes good governance and inclusivity but has not initiated migration-specific cooperation programs.

Key findings

WELL-BEING OF MIGRANTS

Migration Governance: examples of well-developed areas

The Gompa City Corporation supports gender equality for all workers, including migrants, through Liberia’s national legislation: the National Gender Policy (2009), Employment Policy (2009), and the Decent Work Act (2015).
Under the Decent Work Act, migrant workers must receive information on their employment terms and conditions in a language they understand, and any contract provisions that discriminate against foreign workers are to be nullified.

Areas with potential for further development

The city of Gompa does not conduct local-level assessments to monitor labour market demand for immigrants or the effects of emigration.
Establishing programmes to promote migrant workers inclusion in Gompa is an area for potential development
There are no local programs in Gompa aimed at reducing remittance costs, promoting financial inclusion, or providing financial literacy training for migrants and their families.

Key findings

MOBILITY DIMENSION OF CRISES

Migration Governance: examples of well-developed areas

Nimba County, where Gompa is located, has a Disaster Preparedness and Awareness Committee established in 2007 that meets bimonthly to plan disaster response strategies and assesses needs when disasters occur.
During local emergencies, migrants in Gompa can access assistance through the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), security services, and county and district security councils.

Areas with potential for further development

The Gompa City Corporation lacks an emergency management framework with specific measures to support migrants before, during, or after crises, and there is no evidence of partnerships or referral systems with key actors to aid migrants in emergencies.
Developing a disaster risk reduction or management strategy that addresses displacement impacts in Gompa is a key area with potential for further development.
The Gompa City Corporation does not have a contingency plan to manage large-scale population movements during crises.
Establishing crisis communication systems to provide real-time information and guidance for accessing assistance in Gompa is another area with potential for development.

Key findings

SAFE, ORDERLY AND DIGNIFIED MIGRATION

Migration Governance: examples of well-developed areas

Gompa City Corporation actively supports refugee integration by coordinating essential services, accommodation, and community support in collaboration with the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC).
Migrant workers in Gompa are protected from labour exploitation under the Decent Work Act (2015).

Areas with potential for further development

In practice, all migrants in Gompa have access to the justice system, including police and courts, but there are no specific local mechanisms or awareness programs to ensure effective access or inform migrants of their rights and available avenues for justice.
Establishing programs to train local police and public servants on migrant-related issues and rights is an area with potential for further development.
There is no local mechanism in Gompa to combat human trafficking or produce trafficking-related data.

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