Ten Years of Migrant Resource Centres: Reflections from the 5th Regional Exchange Meeting in Islamabad

On 15-16 September 2026, government partners, donors, ICMPD colleagues, and Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) coordinators met in Islamabad for the 5th MRC Regional Exchange Meeting. The meeting coincided with a significant milestone: ten years since the MRCs began their work. During the meeting, participants took stock of a decade of cooperation and exchanged ideas on how the centres should develop in the years ahead.

Our team from the Research Unit took part with two objectives: to present the findings of our new publication, and to begin shaping the next stage of research on the MRCs.

Presenting a decade of evidence

The meeting was the first opportunity to share 10 Years of Impact: Adapting, Learning, Delivering – A Decade of MRC directly with the institutions whose work it documents. The publication traces how the MRCs have evolved over ten years, how they have responded to changing migration dynamics and partner needs, and what lessons have emerged from their implementation.

Presenting the findings to government counterparts and donors was an important step in the process, as it ensured that research on the MRCs stays grounded in the realities of those who run and support them.

Looking ahead

The second part of the discussion focused on the future MRC strategies. Participants considered how the MRCs can continue to adapt to evolving migration patterns, institutional priorities, and the needs of the people they serve. These conversations also marked the development of our next publication, which will aim to inform the future of the MRC model.

We are grateful to all participants for sharing their experience and perspectives so openly. Their contributions have already enriched our understanding of the MRCs’ first decade and will shape the research to come.