Thursday July 18, 2024
Somali refugees board a plane to return to Mogadishu from Dadaab camp in Kenya. © UNHCR/A.Nasrullah
Mogadishu (HOL) — A recent report by the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) reveals the severe challenges faced by Somali migrants returning home after being stranded abroad. The study, "Migration Interrupted: Can Stranded Migrants from Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan Rebuild Their Lives upon Return?" highlights the difficulties and successes of these returnees, supported by the EU-IOM Joint Initiative.
The MPI report details the perilous journeys of Somali migrants who become stranded in transit countries like Libya and Yemen. Fleeing economic hardship or conflict, these migrants often face abuse, exploitation, and violence. The EU-IOM Joint Initiative, funded by the European Union's Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, has assisted over 134,000 migrants, providing essential support for their return and reintegration.
"After suffering and starving, the best thing was to come home where we felt loved," said a Somali returnee, summarizing the relief many feel upon returning. However, reintegration is challenging. The report states that 38% of Somali returnees incurred significant debt during their migration, adding financial and emotional strain. The initiative's support, including temporary housing, medical aid, and grants for microbusinesses, has been crucial in helping returnees rebuild their lives.
Migration routes from East Africa are dangerous. The northern route through Libya, in particular, is notorious for high risks, with many Somali migrants experiencing human rights abuses. The MPI report highlights the need for comprehensive reintegration support, emphasizing that economic assistance and psychosocial support are vital. In Somalia, returnees who received microbusiness grants showed significant improvement in reintegration, often surpassing nonmigrant counterparts in economic stability.
Despite assistance, reintegration is difficult. Many returnees face stigma and isolation. "People don't always believe in you when you return from migration," said Yasir, a Somali returnee, noting the social barriers to reintegration. The report stresses the importance of community support and timely, tailored assistance to address these challenges.
The MPI report calls for sustained, flexible funding for reintegration programs in the Horn of Africa. As the EU-IOM Joint Initiative ended in 2023, future programs should learn from its successes. Key recommendations include involving families in the reintegration process and addressing returnees' psychological readiness. Coordinated efforts to inform families ahead of return and support debt resolution pathways are also essential.