When high-risk journeys take place, such as long walks crossing multiple Central American countries, uncertainty is always present. The surge of information and the variety of sources makes it difficult for migrants to access reliable and pertinent information, this can result in an increase of vulnerability of those who move to another country.

According to World Migration Report 2018, "although many [migrants] are aware that the information provided may not be accurate, prospective migrants may use social media to locate smugglers. […] there are groups, on Facebook for instance, where migrants and asylum seekers search for travelling companions and ask for advice on dangers, risks and reliable smugglers."

To help break this scheme, since June 2018, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), developed the MigApp application (formerly under the name MigrantApp) to answer the most frequent questions and needs of migrants, before, during and after their journey. It is a tool that focuses on relevant information and excludes "boisterous" content.

While the app collects the profile of those who use it (age, sex, countries of transit, among others) to visualize migratory patterns that facilitate the analysis and understanding of the phenomenon to international organizations and governments, the data of those who use the application always remains anonymous. This broadens the information framework for migration governance to promote a safe, regular and orderly migration.

 

How does MigApp help migrants from Central America?

  • Useful information for a safe migration: To reduce the impact of unreliable or dispersed sources, MigApp compiles the requirements of entry and stay in other countries, how to manage work permits, locations of IOM medical centers, migrants’ rights, among others. In this way the user can prepare before traveling and foresee relief spaces during transit.
  • Compares money transfers platforms costs: The financial conditions in which many of these people migrate are precarious and they may need economic help of their relatives and acquaintances along the way. Through MigApp, migrants can compare the prices of different remittance platforms to choose the one that is least expensive.
  • Access to information on basic telephones and/or without Internet: Once downloaded, many of the features of the application do not require access to Internet to be consulted: it is static information always available for those who travel. Also, the application is designed so that it can be installed on any type of mobile device, regardless of its operating system or model.
  • Possibility of return: If a migrant voluntarily decides to return to his/her country, IOM facilitates a safe return, regardless the migratory status of the person requesting it. This request can be made in the different offices of the organization, and through MigApp.  

For more information about MigApp, please visit https://www.iom.int/migapp 

DOWNLOAD MigApp for Android o iOS.