UAE pledges $100 million to nations affected by 'irregular migration'

The UAE has pledged $100 million to support development projects in countries affected by irregular immigration.

This was announced by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as he attended an international conference in Rome on Sunday.

The conference, attended by heads of state, government ministers, and representatives of regional and international organisations, aimed to find integrated solutions to address the causes of and slow unauthorised migration, specifically exploring the links between migration and socio-economic development and stability in migrants’ countries of origin.

Addressing the conference, Sheikh Mohamed stressed that finding the root causes of unauthorised migration, whether it be asylum or migration, requires close cooperation between migrants' countries of origin, transit and destination, and both international and regional agencies.

Furthermore, he said climate change is one of the main drivers of irregular migration as it leads to drought, agricultural crop destruction, and increased poverty in many countries. He stated that he was looking forward to meeting participants at COP28 in the UAE later this year, which will aim to accelerate international efforts against climate change.

The UAE President also held talks with Tunisian President Kais Saied, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Charles Michel, in separate meetings on the sidelines of the conference.