Can information campaigns address migrant information needs?

Irregular migration poses numerous risks to migrants during the journey and upon arrival. It leads to adverse migration outcomes compared to regular migration, as migrants living with irregular status are more prone to exploitation. However, migrants often lack information about this, contributing to the prevalence of irregular migration. In certain regions of Pakistan, irregular migration has become normalized, and smugglers can exploit a lack of government capacity to dispel disinformation about migration options in order to increase their business.

Information campaigns countering misinformation and (deliberate) disinformation about irregular migration can be beneficial for migrants by supporting them in their decision-making, but they are often not sufficiently well designed to be effective. Campaigns need to couple trusted messengers, communication channels, and target groups with comprehensive content that is based on the local context and is emotionally engaging in order to change people’s minds about leaving through irregular channels.