On 4–5 November 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia hosted the Workshop on Strategic Communication for Migration Governance. The meeting brought together Prague Process state representatives, communication experts, and international organisations to exchange experiences and good practices on communicating migration policies effectively and responsibly.
Mr. Armen Ghazaryan, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Armenia, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of evidence-based migration policy. While messages can sometimes be fragmented, well-developed and consistent narratives can still effectively shape public understanding. Ms. Nelli Davtyan, Head of the Migration and Citizenship Service of Armenia, underlined that strategic communication serves to build trust, transparency, and resilience, ultimately strengthening partnerships, governance, and mutual confidence. Mr. Tomasz Ostropolski, Deputy Head of Political, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation to Armenia, underlined the EU’s continued support to Armenia’s visa liberalisation process and the role of regular and transparent public communication. Mr. Radim Zak, Head of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region at ICMPD, highlighted the sensitivity of migration-related issues, the importance of correct migration narratives, and the growing need to promote data-informed dialogue in migration policy.
Over two days the workshop explored how migration narratives shape public perceptions and influence policymaking, stressing that effective communication is a vital component of migration governance. Participants discussed challenges in countering misinformation, ensuring crisis preparedness, and promoting fact-based and inclusive narratives in an increasingly digital information environment. They also shared best practices, highlighting the importance of proactive engagement through cooperation with journalists and media outlets, as well as coordination among government institutions. Comprehensive communication strategies, digital outreach platforms, the use of AI and promotion of legal pathways through scholarship programmes were cited as effective means to promote credible public dialogue.
Communicating Visa Liberalisation - Managing Expectations and Building Trust
The workshop took place at a significant time for Armenia, as the European Commission officially delivered the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan (VLAP) to the Armenian authorities in Yerevan. In this context, a dedicated panel showcased communication strategies used throughout visa liberalisation processes. Speakers from Armenia and Kosovo* shared insights on managing public expectations, countering misinformation, and ensuring coherent messaging among national institutions. The discussion underscored that effective communication must go beyond simply informing citizens about visa-free travel; it should also encourage responsible mobility, clarify rights and obligations, enhance public trust in institutions, and continue even after visa-free travel is confirmed.
Communication in Times of Crisis
Another panel discussion focused on communication during migration-related crises, drawing on the experiences of the Czech Republic, IOM and UNHCR, as well as ICMPD. Referring to the displacement caused by the Russian war against Ukraine, the speakers underlined the importance of rapid coordination among institutions, transparent information-sharing, and proactive communication to prevent panic and misinformation. Examples included effective outreach tools such as dedicated information centres and hotlines for displaced people, the use of multilingual hotlines, social media engagement, and local partnerships to ensure timely and accessible information for affected populations.
Engaging Migrants through Effective and Inclusive Messaging
Communication campaigns on legal pathways and strategies targeting asylum seekers require clear language, consistency of messages, and culturally sensitive outreach across communication channels. Kyrgyzstan presented its extensive outreach efforts through digital platforms, mobile applications, and community-based awareness campaigns designed to inform citizens about safe and legal employment opportunities abroad. Frontex shared its experience in promoting clear and consistent messaging on migration procedures, underlining the importance of terminology. UNHCR emphasised that communication is an integral part of protection. Moreover, the Swedish Migration Agency showcased its multilingual communication tools, interpreter services, and transparent counselling processes that ensure applicants receive accurate and accessible information about their rights and obligations.
An interactive exercise invited participants to reflect on approaches for promoting balanced migration narratives and strengthening societal resilience to misinformation. The final session presented updates from the Prague Process Migration Observatory, including ongoing work to support fact-based communication and digital innovation across the region.
The workshop reaffirmed the commitment of Prague Process partners to transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based communication as a foundation for good migration governance. Participants also underlined the need for continued dialogue and exchange on effective communication practices to further strengthen migration management and cooperation in this area.
Check out the Handbook on Reporting Migration here. The Handbook was developed within the framework of the MOMENTA 2 (Migration Media Training Academy) project, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by ICMPD in 2020.