In 1991 Hungary became a member state of IOM, and the following year the organization established its office in Budapest. Since the signature of the agreement between IOM and the Government of Hungary (7 April 1992), the IOM Mission has enjoyed diplomatic status. Since then IOM has managed numerous projects in the fields of counter-trafficking, migration and health, labour migration and integration, assisted voluntary return and assistance to migrants in transit, and ran several public information campaigns on migration issues in Hungary and participated in various research activities.

The IOM office in Hungary continues to be actively involved in building the Government of Hungary's capacity to manage migration issues through training, and organizing regional and international exchange programmes, conferences and research projects. IOM Budapest has also established partnerships with a number of relevant non-governmental organizations that assist migrants and victims of trafficking in Hungary.

From November 2000 to July 2011, IOM Budapest functioned as a “Mission with Regional Functions” (MRF). First providing direct support, supervision, and assistance to IOM’s missions in the Central European region, the regional functions of the office in Budapest were then expanded to include IOM missions in South-Eastern Europe. MRF Budapest therefore not only ensured the effective sharing of core resources and expertise between the Field Offices under its responsibility but also a consistent approach in important areas such as project development and the application of administrative and operational policies and procedures throughout the Organization.

Since 2011, IOM Budapest has been the Country Mission for Hungary.

Since 2016, IOM is part of the United Nations System as the leading inter-governmental organization promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.

The IOM office in Budapest has a Resource Management Unit, a Protection Unit and a Programme Support Unit.

Programme Support Unit

The PSU is responsible for developing regional and national project proposals and assists the implementation of those projects which are selected for funding. The Unit participates in the development of partnerships and provide support for external partners implementing actions in cooperation and in line with IOM’s mandate.

The PSU is also responsible for representing IOM in various expert networks and at thematic events. It is also in charge of media relations and liaison with a wide range of stakeholders. Finally, the PSU is responsible for the coordination of IOM Budapest’s internship programme.

The work of PSU is closely supported by the Movement Operations Department and by the Admin, Finance and Human Resources Department.

Protection Unit

IOM Hungary manages the reception area at Záhony railway station, where a team of cultural mediators and translators provide support and conduct vulnerability assessments. A mobile team conducts collective shelter and site visits, providing information consultation, MHPSS services, and NFI provisioning.​

​IOM Hungary offers Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities, including group and individual counselling sessions, in Budapest, at the border area, as well as online.  IOM employs a team of trained professionals and cultural mediators and counsellors and work with relevant local partners.​

IOM Hungary manages 2 collective sites that provide mid-term accommodation for up to 4 months. IOM is also the biggest provider of private accommodation in Hungary, ensuring short-term stays for up to 30 days. In addition, transit accommodation is also provided through partner hotels. IOM has also procured equipment and items to improve collective sites maintained by partners.​

IOM Hungary operates two dedicated information provision sites – the Nyugati InfoPoint and the Deák Info and Community Center – in cooperation with Budapest Municipality and UNHCR. Information provision is also ensured through IOM’s Hotline service and a permanent field presence at Záhony railway station. 

Under Protection Unit, the Counter-trafficing Team also assists Hungarian nationals who are identified abroad as victims of human trafficking and who wish to return to Hungary.

Resource Management Unit

The Department is responsible for the administrative, financial and HR management of IOM Budapest. Key tasks of the Department include ensuring compliance with IOM’s administrative and financial procedures, monitoring project expenditures, preparing for project audits and supporting HR processes. 

Counter-trafficking Unit

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Movement Operation Unit

​​The Operations Team is responsible for the planning and implementation of travels within the framework of IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programmes from, to and through Hungary. Third Country Nationals (TCNs) are provided with individual counselling on humanitarian voluntary return to their country of origin, together with direct assistance before and during departure.