United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), in collaboration with UCLG-MEWA, UCLG ASPAC, the City of Dubai, Quezon City, and the Middle East Centre for Training and Development, convened the Peer Learning Event on Improving Migrant Worker Welfare on 23 January 2026.
The session brought together local and regional governments from diverse migration contexts to exchange practical experiences, clarify roles and responsibilities, and explore partnership models to better support migrant workers throughout the migration journey — from pre-departure to reintegration.
The dialogue was anchored in the Dubai–Quezon City Joint Study, which showcased concrete municipal actions including labor inspections, grievance and complaint mechanisms, psychosocial support services, pre-departure orientation programs, and reintegration initiatives.
Breakout discussions further enriched the exchange, with contributions from cities in Argentina, Nepal, Spain, Ghana, and Kenya. These examples demonstrated the breadth of local government action, often carried out despite limited formal mandates and constrained resources.
From UCLG-MEWA’s perspective, the session reaffirmed that local governments are at the frontline of migrant welfare. Cities are not only service providers but also trusted actors offering care, information, and pathways to justice, while working in coordination with national authorities and global partners.
The outcomes of this peer learning process will feed into upcoming global milestones, including the International Migration Review Forum (May 2026) and the UCLG World Congress in Tangiers.
UCLG-MEWA reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying the voices of cities and local governments in migration governance and encouraged members to contribute to the Call to Local Action for Migrants and Refugees by 31 March 2026.
