IOM and Bolt join forces to foster better integration support for migrants in the platform economy in Malta

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Bolt, a leading European shared mobility and delivery platform, have signed a global agreement aimed at providing integration support for migrants working in the mobility and delivery sectors. The partnership, ‘Bridging the Gap – Integrating Migrants’, will start with a pilot project in Malta that will serve as a scalable model for other countries.

“Migration is a reality that shapes our economies and our lives,” said Catalina Devandas, IOM Senior Director of Partnerships. “It is both a resource and an opportunity for people and economies alike. This partnership with Bolt shows what can happen when the private sector steps up to create fair, safe, and dignified migration pathways that meet real market needs and protect workers’ rights.”

“The success of several economic sectors increasingly relies on a diverse workforce,” said Eirini Zafeiratou, Vice President of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at Bolt. “Bolt’s platform enables earning opportunities for many individuals. With the support of IOM, we will make further efforts to foster better integration of migrant workers in the countries where we operate.”

As part of the project, the IOM will facilitate training to migrant service providers to support their integration in the local economy and society, covering important topics such as adapting to local culture, understanding labour rights, and knowing how to report any violations. The IOM will also provide guidance on the responsible engagement of migrant service providers among Bolt’s partner fleets. The partnership intends to create an independent Advisory Board, made up of industry stakeholders, and it would be an honour to include representatives from public authorities, such as JobsPlus and DIER, among its members.

By bringing together IOM’s global migration expertise and Bolt’s operational reach, the partnership aims to create a more responsible model for labour mobility. Bolt will support the project through the Bolt Urban Fund, a social impact programme designed to enhance the social and economic impact of shared mobility and delivery services worldwide, having previously collaborated with several international organisations, including the IOM, on integration initiatives such as language skills and road safety.