HARGEISA — The Ministry of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs in the Government of Somaliland, in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), received five Somali citizens today at Egal International Airport in Hargeisa. The returnees arrived back home voluntarily after facing hazardous conditions during irregular migration journeys.
The Ministry stated that this group of young people had previously left the country in search of better opportunities, only to face severe hardships and security risks. These traumatic experiences prompted their decision to return voluntarily, seeking to end their suffering and move past the psychological and social impacts of their ordeal.
Upon the arrival of the returnees, the Ministry’s technical teams immediately initiated formal registration procedures and provided a package of direct support services, including psychological counseling and social consultations. These efforts aim to rehabilitate them and facilitate their successful reintegration into society, assisting them in resuming a stable life in their homeland.
The Ministry emphasized the urgent need to intensify national awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of irregular migration and the threats it poses to life. It called upon the youth to explore and utilize the educational and economic opportunities currently available within the country, which are designed to empower national cadres to build their futures locally.
In this context, the Ministry expressed its deep appreciation for the close cooperation with the IOM, praising its pivotal role in funding and implementing voluntary return and reintegration programs. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to upholding human dignity, protecting the rights of migrants, and safeguarding them from exploitation.
The Ministry concluded its statement by affirming its continued dedication to providing all forms of support to returnees and activating programs that contribute to their socio-economic integration. This reflects the Somaliland government’s commitment to embracing its citizens and providing a supportive environment that ensures a dignified and stable life for them within the country.
Voluntary return and reintegration programs constitute a fundamental pillar of the humanitarian work undertaken by the Somaliland government in partnership with the IOM. These programs aim to provide a lifeline to citizens stranded during irregular migration journeys. These initiatives go beyond logistical support, such as reception and registration, to encompass psychological rehabilitation and economic empowerment. Such efforts seek to mitigate the drivers of unsafe migration and enhance collective awareness of local opportunities, thereby contributing to social stability and the development of national human resources.
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