IOM partners with Bolt to create safer migration pathways for migrants
The project will also involve a broad range of stakeholders, including public authorities, to ensure alignment with national labour market needs, policies, and priorities. Simultaneously, it will generate evidence to inform future national and international labour mobility policies.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Bolt have signed a global agreement aimed at supporting the integration of migrants working in the mobility and delivery sectors. The initiative will begin with a pilot project in Malta, which is intended to serve as a scalable model for other countries.
Under the partnership, dubbed Bridging the Gap – Integrating Migrants, the leading European platform for ride-hailing and food delivery services will launch the pilot in Malta- a country grappling with an “irregular” migration crisis due to its location in the Mediterranean Sea, making it a frequent entry point for those seeking to reach Europe.
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In Malta, the pilot will provide tangible support to both employers and workers. This includes the development of tools and training to promote fair working conditions, as well as practical assistance and tailored integration pathways specific to the ride-hailing and food-delivery sectors.
As of June 19 last year, Malta was hosting over 11,000 refugees and 2,000 asylum seekers, primarily from Bangladesh, Libya, Syria, Sudan, and Ukraine, according to the World Health Organisation.
“Migration is a reality that shapes our economies and our lives. It is both a resource and an opportunity for individuals and economies alike. This partnership with Bolt demonstrates what can be achieved when the private sector steps up to create fair, safe, and dignified migration pathways that meet real market needs and protect workers' rights,” said Catalina Devandas, IOM’s Senior Director of Partnerships.
The project will also involve a broad range of stakeholders, including public authorities, to ensure alignment with national labour market needs, policies, and priorities. Simultaneously, it will generate evidence to inform future national and international labour mobility policies.
By combining IOM’s global migration expertise with Bolt’s operational reach, the organisation said the partnership aims to build a more responsible model for labour mobility, one that meets market demands while safeguarding the rights, safety, and dignity of migrant workers.
With operations in over 600 cities across more than 50 countries, including Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas, IOM sees Bolt’s extensive footprint as key to achieving long-term impact across diverse labour markets.
“The success of several economic sectors increasingly relies on a diverse workforce. Bolt’s platform enables earning opportunities for many individuals. With IOM’s support, we will step up our efforts to foster better integration of migrant workers in the countries where we operate,” said Eirini Zafeiratou, Vice President of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at Bolt.
The project also aims to empower migrant workers to integrate more effectively into local economies by collaborating closely with private sector actors, developing employer-focused tools and training, and offering targeted support.
Additionally, it seeks to promote social and labour market cohesion by ensuring that migrant workers are treated fairly and supported by Bolt’s fleet partners.
Bolt will support the initiative through its Bolt Urban Fund, a social impact programme designed to enhance the societal and economic benefits of shared mobility and delivery services worldwide.
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