In 2004, MMN focused its collaborative research on issues surrounding arrest, detention, and deportation (ADD) processes, and the return and reintegration of migrants in the GMS. As existing information regarding policies concerning these issues was scarce, MMN and its partners organised the Mekong Symposium on Migration: Protecting Migrants’ Rights When They Leave the Host Country between 30 September and 2 October 2004 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Attended by more than 100 representatives from respective government ministries, United Nations agencies, intergovernmental organisations, migrant support groups and migrant grassroots organisations, the symposium provided a unique forum in which open dialogue on issues normally viewed as sensitive was able to take place. Information and discussions arising from this symposium served as an important reference when planning and conducting MMN’s following research on ADD beginning in 2005. To learn more about the symposium, please refer to the proceedings of the meeting.