Up to 10,000 migrants stranded in Libya will be flown back to their home countries this year, but the returns can only play a limited role in tackling migrant flows towards Europe, the head of the UN migration agency's Libyan office said.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) programme is one of the few ways EU states can fund action inside lawless Libya, which has become the main migration departure point for Europe, as they scramble to stem record flows across the central Mediterranean.
Other plans have been held up by poor security, political resistance and a lack of government control in Libya, where powerful militias and smuggling networks act with impunity.
The IOM scheme is meant to offer a way out to those stuck in Libya without money, work, or a means to move on, said Othman Belbeisi, the agency's chief of mission for Libya. It is voluntary, with each migrant interviewed individually and able to change their mind at any time.
"This programme provides a window or an option for these people to go back home and start a new life," Belbeisi told Reuters.
"It is a contribution to a solution, mainly for the migrants. We don't believe in closing borders, stopping movement or stopping migration."
Some of those who opt to return have been intercepted by the Libyan coastguard at sea and sent to detention centres. Some leave without trying to reach Europe. Most do not have documents.
The IOM flew 2,775 migrants back last year, and is expecting to increase that number to between 7,000 and 10,000 in 2017, with new Euorpean funding.
This year, 1,795 migrants have already been sent back, and another 5,000 are seeking assistance to return. The agency has received a higher rate of requests since late 2016, something Belbeisi attributed to worsening conditions inside Libya.
Most are flown to West Africa, with Nigeria, Senegal and Mali topping the list. There have also been returns to East Africa and Bangladesh.
Because returning can be seen as a failure, the IOM supports reintegration in home communities, Belbeisi said, with half those returned last year receiving such help.
The average cost of returning and assisting a migrant is about 2,000 euros ($2,135). Funding for the programme comes mainly from European states.
The agency still faces challenges interviewing migrants, checking their identity, and transporting them across and out of Libya. It plans to raise awareness about the returns programme in the coming months, without actively promoting it.
"We are not promoting a return home because we know sometimes the situation back home can be even worse... and we do not want to promote shifting a problem from one side, or country, to another," said Belbeisi.
"That's why we don't advertise the programme or promote it as a solution for migration to Europe."
source: Jordan Times
GMT 12:13 2017 Wednesday ,28 June
At least 24 migrants die as thousands rescued in seas off LibyaGMT 20:48 2017 Thursday ,04 May
Casualties of missile attacks in BenghaziGMT 22:05 2017 Wednesday ,03 May
49 army personnel killed during April clashes in BenghaziGMT 19:38 2017 Sunday ,30 April
Libya seizes oil tankers and crew after shootout at seaGMT 04:29 2017 Saturday ,22 April
Libya's oil corporation expects to regain Es Sider, Ras Lanuf oil portsGMT 01:10 2017 Saturday ,22 April
East Libyan forces will investigate Benghazi abusesGMT 00:10 2017 Wednesday ,19 April
Libya fishermen find 28 dead migrants in boat offshore - officialGMT 20:05 2017 Monday ,17 April
Libya govt urges ‘intervention’ over southern clashesMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor