By Josephine Sesay
In a joint operation between the Government of Sierra Leone and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 136 Sierra Leonean migrants stranded in Mauritania have safely returned home, marking another step in the country’s efforts to safeguard its citizens abroad and provide dignified reintegration support.
The returnees, many of whom had endured severe hardship, arrived at Freetown International Airport where they were warmly welcomed by officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Office of National Security (ONS), Ministry of Social Welfare, the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), and other government partners.
Upon arrival, IOM staff, working closely with state agencies, registered all returnees and provided immediate support. Special attention was given to those who had been caught in conflict zones or trapped in dire living conditions. Each migrant received financial assistance to cover transportation costs and basic needs.
Speaking during the reception, the IOM Sierra Leone Coordinator reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring the safe return and reintegration of vulnerable migrants. These individuals have endured difficult journeys and deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity. We are partnering with the government to ensure both immediate support and long-term reintegration opportunities are available to them, the Coordinator said.
The returnees will now be enrolled in IOM-supported reintegration programs tailored to individual needs. These include vocational training, psychosocial counseling, and economic empowerment initiatives to help them regain stability and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Government representatives echoed the need to address irregular migration by offering safer, legal pathways while supporting vulnerable citizens abroad.
This latest repatriation highlights Sierra Leone’s growing collaboration with international partners to combat human trafficking, reduce irregular migration, and protect the rights and dignity of its people overseas.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,22th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
