The UN migration agency, IOM, announced on Tuesday that more than 6,000 of its staff worldwide are affected by dramatic US aid funding cuts, forcing the organisation to make painful financial adjustments.
Like many humanitarian agencies, the IOM has been struggling since US President Donald Trump froze most foreign aid funding.
The agency, which previously relied on the US for over 40% of its budget, warned that the cuts were severely impacting vulnerable migrant communities and disrupting essential humanitarian support.
The IOM said it was implementing a “structural realignment” at its headquarters, scaling back or shutting down projects, and laying off staff.
Around 3,000 employees were dismissed last month after Trump halted the US refugee resettlement programme, with over 250 positions lost at the agency’s Geneva headquarters. The remaining affected staff are also set to be laid off.
The IOM stressed that despite the funding crisis, it was committed to continuing its humanitarian work, adjusting operations by shifting roles to lower-cost regional offices, reducing staffing, and improving coordination with other aid organisations.
The agency acknowledged the significant impact on its workforce, expressing regret over the layoffs. “Quite simply, IOM staff represent the best of public service. We are deeply sorry to lose them,” it said.
