Island-to-Island Migration in Mauritius: Migration Management Initiative in Rodrigues Island
Separated by 580 kilometers of aquamarine waters, the small island of Rodrigues is often considered an outpost off the mainland island of Mauritius. However, there are noticeable migration flows from Rodrigues to the mainland, with many islanders making this journey in search of improved economic prospects, better education and access to advanced healthcare facilities.
On the flip side, mainland Mauritians often find themselves drawn to Rodrigues for a different reason altogether. Retirement beckons or perhaps it is the allure of spending leisurely holidays surrounded by the serene beauty of Rodrigues’ landscapes.
Yet, amid these migrations lies a crucial concern. Rodriguans transitioning to Mauritius can face integration challenges, often due to a lack of information and support networks. This disparity highlights the need to ensure systems and capacities are in place to ensure smoother transitions for those migrating from one island to the other.
The “Strengthening Migration Management for Sustainable Development, with a Focus on Internal Migration” project, also called Bouzé Rodrig: Pour une Migration Réussie, funded by the IOM Development Fund, is intended to develop a better understanding of the migration dynamics at play, with the goal of transforming the migration management landscape in Mauritius.
One of the project’s strategic objectives is to address the gaps in migration data, particularly for migration flows from Rodrigues. IOM is working with stakeholders to put systems in place to track the movements of people between the two islands and a migration data dashboard is being designed to support the monitoring of migration, which will be a key source of evidence for policy making and planning.
“The Bouzé Rodrig project is instrumental in supporting initiatives that foster greater understanding, facilitate informed decision-making and promote inclusive policies and practices that can unlock the full potential of migration as a driver for sustainable development in Rodrigues. This project will allow discussion of migration to become embedded in the discourse of sustainable development of Rodrigues.”
Alia Hirji, Chief of Mission for IOM Mauritius & Seychelles.
Additionally, the project is conducting a study to better understand the multiplicity of internal migration drivers, including economic, social, political and environmental. The study focuses on the experiences of migrants both before, during and after their journeys. Special attention will be given to vulnerable groups, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
Based on the learnings from this research initiative, the project will aim to address these drivers and provide comprehensive support and guidance to internal migrants through communication campaigns, while contributing to the Government’s commitment to achieving other Sustainable Development Goals as well.
At its core, the initiative seeks to empower communities with the necessary tools and resources for successful integration.
Improved migration management practices will consequently lead to reduced vulnerabilities among migrants, enhanced social cohesion and increased economic opportunities for both host and internal migrant communities.
“This project exemplifies our dedication to ensuring that migration is managed effectively, benefiting both migrants and non-migrants alike. We recognize the importance of migration as a catalyst for development. Through this project, we aim to harness the potential of migration to contribute positively to our society and economy. This partnership with IOM is an opportunity to identify barriers to and challenges associated with mobility and thereafter to ensure coordination regarding the movement of people and workers from Rodrigues to Mauritius and vice versa. Our commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable development is further strengthened through partnerships like these.”
Mr. Johnson Roussety, former Chief of Commissioner for Rodrigues.
Aligned with national development strategies, regional initiatives and the global agenda outlined in the IOM Strategic Plan 2024–2028, for example, (1) saving lives and protecting people on the move, (2) driving solutions to displacement, and (3) facilitating pathways for regular migration, this project exemplifies the strength of partnership and collaboration in addressing migration challenges.
