MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Somali government, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has successfully facilitated the return of 147 Somali migrants who had been stranded in Libya.
The repatriation was carried out under the Voluntary Humanitarian Returns (VHR) program, aimed at providing safe passage for vulnerable migrants seeking to return home.
A chartered flight carrying the returnees, among them women and children, landed first at Egal International Airport in Hargeisa, where 39 individuals disembarked.
The flight then proceeded to Aden Abdulle International Airport (AAIA) in Mogadishu, where the remaining 108 migrants were received by Somali government officials and humanitarian agencies.
Speaking at the reception ceremony in Mogadishu, Somalia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Isak Mohamud Mursal, urged young Somalis to refrain from irregular migration, emphasizing the dangers and hardships faced by those who attempt perilous journeys in search of better opportunities abroad.
He highlighted the experiences of the returnees, noting that many had endured dire conditions, including detention, exploitation, and abuse while stranded in Libya.
“Their suffering should serve as a stark warning to those contemplating the treacherous path of irregular migration. Our youth must seek opportunities within Somalia and avoid falling into the hands of smugglers and human traffickers,” the Deputy Minister stated.
The Voluntary Humanitarian Returns (VHR) program, operated in collaboration with the EU and IOM, provides essential support for stranded migrants, including travel arrangements, medical assistance, and reintegration support upon their arrival.
Somalia has been actively working to repatriate its citizens from conflict zones and detention centers in Libya as part of its broader efforts to address migration challenges and provide viable alternatives for its youth.
Many of the returnees expressed relief and gratitude for the opportunity to return home safely. Some recounted harrowing ordeals in Libya, where they faced extortion and imprisonment at the hands of smugglers and militias.
Humanitarian organizations present at the airport assured them of ongoing support, including vocational training, economic reintegration programs, and psychosocial assistance.
The Somali government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and discouraging irregular migration by promoting economic opportunities and improving domestic conditions.
As migration remains a pressing issue, authorities continue to collaborate with international partners to ensure the safe and dignified return of Somali nationals from crisis-affected areas worldwide.
