Cabo Verde

Since 2001, IOM Cabo Verde has worked closely with key ministries, local authorities, communities, and international partners to enhance regular migration pathways, address protection needs and promote social cohesion. The organization has been instrumental in supporting the government’s initiatives towards socioeconomic development, reducing vulnerabilities, and safeguarding the dignity of migrants. Additionally, IOM provides technical assistance to the Cabo-Verdean government in migration governance and commitments, including leading the Climate Action Working Group of the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance (GDPA) in 2025.

As part of the UN Country Team, IOM actively contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development
Cooperation Framework (UN SDCF) 2023–2027, with a co-leading role in Pillar 1 related human talent and social capital. In line with its
mandate, IOM collaborates with various national and international partners to implement its strategic priorities and promote safe,
orderly, and regular migration, contributing to the Global Compact for Migration.

Migration Context and Trends

Cabo Verde presents a dynamic migration landscape shaped by both emigration and immigration. Historically, emigration has been a defining feature, with an estimated 700,000 Cabo Verdeans living abroad—primarily in the United States (260,000) and Portugal (100,000). The broader diaspora, spanning up to four generations, is estimated at 1.5 to 2 million people. In 2023, remittances reached approximately €260 million, representing 12.5% of the national GDP and underscoring the diaspora’s vital role in the country’s development. At the same time, immigration is on the rise, with 10,900 foreign nationals residing in Cabo Verde as of 2022. Key countries of origin include Guinea-Bissau, China, Senegal, Portugal, and Nigeria. Labour migration has emerged as a strategic approach to ease pressure on the domestic labour market while leveraging available human capital. The Government continues to play a central role in managing these trends to support inclusive and sustainable development.

Facilitate Pathways for Regular Migration

Over the past two years, irregular migration from West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands has sharply increased, heightening the risks of deaths and disappearances along the Atlantic route. In the first half of 2024 alone, 25 shipwrecks were recorded, resulting in the death or disappearance of 324 migrants. Several of these tragic incidents occurred near the islands of Cabo Verde. Between 2022 and 2024, 143 migrants were rescued and received emergency assistance with IOM support. These efforts helped address immediate needs and alleviate trauma among survivors, underscoring the importance of coordinated humanitarian response.

Driving Solutions to Displacement

With over two centuries of emigration history, Cabo Verde has developed a strong Diaspora Investment Programme, supported by IOM, to mobilize diaspora capital in line with national strategies for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. Diaspora Spaces have been established in 12 locations to guide and support investors, fostering entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer. The first-ever Diaspora Investor Guide, published in three languages, offers comprehensive investment information.

IOM has also supported the Government in strengthening ethical recruitment and migrant worker protection, resulting in Cabo Verde’s first Labour Migration and Ethical Recruitment Policy. The Praia Entrepreneurship Center was inaugurated to provide online and in-person training in entrepreneurship, business management, and financial literacy. It also hosted the Immigrant Start-up competition, benefiting 120 immigrants by enhancing their business skills.

To improve access to legal identity, IOM contributed to the development of the Justice Portal and the Foreigners and Border Directorate (DEF) Portal, significantly reducing wait times and improving service delivery. Additionally, IOM facilitated the creation of Cabo Verde’s first Manual of Operational Procedures Against Trafficking in Persons, a key tool for capacity building and case
management in the country’s efforts to combat human trafficking.

Looking Ahead

In 2025, IOM, with the appropriate funding, will continue to support the Government of Cabo Verde to strengthen regular migration
pathways, saving lives, and integration, while reducing disaster risks:

Diaspora Engagement: Facilitates diaspora engagement to harness migrants’ economic, human, and social contributions for sustainable development, including digital solutions and expanding dedicated Diaspora services nationwide.

Labour Migration: Improve skills and access to new employment opportunities abroad for students and labour migrants, especially underprivileged youth from Lusophone African countries. Support the establishment of the Cabo Verde’s Vocational Training Hub to boost regular pathways and reduce unemployment.

Irregular Migration: IOM supports national and regional coordination mechanisms to save lives on the Atlantic Route and address irregular migrants’ needs, focusing on vulnerable migrants’ postdisembarkation. Efforts include raising awareness on alternatives to irregular migration and promoting regular pathways and sustainable opportunities in countries of origin.

Disaster Risk Reduction: Transit Cabo Verde’s disaster management framework towards proactive risk reduction and
community resilience, aligning with the Sendai Framework. Enhance safety and resilience through disaster risk reduction
principles, developing coordination mechanisms, conducting training for governmental institutions, and establishing mass
evacuation protocols for Brava Island.

Contact Us

Organização Internacional para as Migrações - OIM
Casa das Nações Unidas,
P.O. Box 104-A,
Av. OUA,  Achada de Santo António,
Cidade da Praia - Rep. de Cabo Verde

Quelita GONÇALVES, Head of Office | Coordinated by IOM Senegal

Email: iomcapeverde@iom.int 

UN House Operator:  +238.2 609 60 0