London: On 4th March 2026, representatives from the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) and United by Faith held a strategic online meeting via Zoom with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Bangkok office. The discussion focused on assessing IOM’s current operational capacity, exploring available support pathways for Pakistani Christian asylum seekers, and identifying opportunities for strengthened future collaboration.

Attendees included:

Hannah Chowdhry (Global Programs and Communications Manager, BACA)

Wilson Chowdhry (Chairman, United by Faith)

Among Pundhi Resi (IOM Program Manager for Protection and Border Governance)

Khun Sand (IOM Voluntary Assisted Returns)

Understanding IOM’s Role in Thailand

The meeting began with an overview of IOM’s extensive mandate and long-standing presence in Thailand, where it has operated for over 20 years. As one of the largest UN-affiliated agencies in the country, IOM plays a central role in migration governance, research, and protection.

Key areas of work include:

Migration policy development and research

Climate-related migration challenges

Protection and governance, including Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR)

Collaboration with the Thai Immigration Bureau

Addressing migrant smuggling and organised crime

IOM emphasised that its work extends beyond government engagement, incorporating community-level support and coordination.

Current Challenges: Limited Support Capacity

A major concern raised during the meeting was the impact of recent budget cuts. IOM confirmed that, at present, it does not have the financial capacity to provide direct humanitarian assistance such as:

Food or emergency financial grants

Medical support

Funeral assistance

This represents a significant shift from previous years, when such support was more readily available. IOM encouraged BACA and United by Faith to refer urgent cases directly to them where possible, while also committing to notify partners if new funding becomes available.

Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR): Constraints and Possibilities

The AVR programme was discussed in detail, particularly in relation to Pakistani Christian asylum seekers in Thailand.

Key takeaways include:

AVR support is currently extremely limited due to funding shortages

IOM Thailand cannot fund return flights or reintegration packages at this time

Assistance is assessed on a case-by-case basis, with no guarantees

In some instances, IOM Pakistan may have available funding to support returnees

Importantly, individuals must typically withdraw from UNHCR processes before AVR support can be considered. IOM also highlighted that safeguarding and risk assessments remain part of the process, particularly for vulnerable religious minorities.

Practical Barriers for Asylum Seekers

The discussion highlighted several critical barriers faced by Pakistani Christian asylum seekers attempting to access return or protection pathways:

Lack of valid passports, requiring engagement with the Pakistani Embassy

Financial instability, limiting the ability to fund travel

Complex immigration status assessments

The requirement to enter Immigration Detention Centres (IDC) during parts of the process

Even where individuals can fund their own return, IOM’s role is largely advisory—helping coordinate logistics, liaising with embassies, and connecting with IOM Pakistan for reception and reintegration support.

Processing times can take approximately 2–3 weeks if all documentation is in place, though delays are common where documents are missing.

Coordination with UNHCR and Thai Authorities

Strengthening coordination with protection stakeholders was identified as a key priority. IOM agreed to:

Share updated contact details for the new UNHCR Special Protection Officer in Thailand

Facilitate improved communication channels with Thai government bodies, including the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Support the sharing of country reports and human rights updates

This collaboration is essential to ensure that asylum seekers receive consistent and informed support across agencies.

Looking Ahead: Building a Collaborative Framework

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to closer collaboration. Proposed next steps include:

Establishing regular coordination meetings

Creating structured communication channels for case referrals and updates

Enhancing data sharing and escalation processes

IOM also provided insights into Thailand’s evolving asylum framework. While new systems now allow some individuals to remain and work legally, the process remains complex and often involves periods of detention. Notably, deportation is not funded by the Thai government, placing additional pressure on NGOs and individuals to cover costs.

Conclusion

This meeting underscored both the challenges and opportunities in supporting Pakistani Christian asylum seekers in Thailand. While financial constraints currently limit IOM’s direct assistance, their willingness to collaborate and provide coordination support remains invaluable.

For BACA and United by Faith, the discussion reaffirmed the importance of partnership-driven approaches—leveraging collective resources, sharing information, and advocating for those who remain at risk.