IOM supports 152 Bangladeshi to return home from Libya
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in close coordination with the Government of Bangladesh has supported 152 Bangladeshi nationals to return from Libya. A Charter flight carrying the returnees arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday morning.
The Libyan Crisis started in 2011, which led to a civil war. And, the still ongoing crisis has put many Bangladeshi migrants at great risk. They do not wish to risk their lives in such a perilous environment and most of them wish to return home.
In this backdrop, IOM, with the close coordination of Bangladesh Government has supported this group of Bangladeshi migrants to return home safely through theVoluntary Humanitarian Return and Reintegration (VHR)programme. The programme provides logistical and financial support to migrants, who are unable or unwilling to remain in the host country and who volunteer to return to their countries of origin.
These 152 people have decided to return willingly from Libya and IOM has made sure of their voluntary return be in a dignified manner. The UN migration agency has also supported with the flight, logistics and other necessary actions to make the return to Bangladesh safe and smooth.
Upon arrival at the Airport, returnee migrants have received health facilities, psychosocial support, food and post-arrival information support from IOM. Moreover, every migrant has received 50 Euros to go to their home from the airport. Furthermore, IOM has coordinated the support to connect them with their family members and return home safely. Under the VHR programme, every returnee migrant will also get in-kind support with the amount of 1400 Euros to help them reintegrate into society.
Giorgi Gigauri, Chief of Mission, IOM Bangladesh said, “These migrants found themselves in perilous conditions in Libya and desperate to get back home. We supported their voluntary return, ensuring their safety and dignity. We are also extending our support for them to achieve sustainable reintegration, in full respect for human rights.”
IOM has supported 1475 Bangladeshi migrants to return home since 2015. As one of the core activities of IOM, it provides vital assistance to thousands of migrants every year. Building on experience and a worldwide network of offices and partners, IOM’s VHR programme strive to ensure that migrants in need are assisted.