The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is facilitating the repatriation of 180 stranded Sierra Leoneans from various detention centres in the Libya to Sierra Leone.
The Head of Chancery of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, Mohamed A. Hashim, said the first batch of 180 deportees have been traced and screened by the Sierra Leone Embassy staff and IOM. They are certified Sierra Leoneans. On the issue of security, he said, Interpol will further screen the returnees.
According to IOM officials in Sierra Leone, the special chartered flight will arrive on the Tuesday 21 November 2017.
This process is done through consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the IOM Head of Mission in Sierra Leone.
The Director General and Ambassador-at-Large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Khadijatu Bassir, senior officials of the Ministry, together with officials from IOM, social service providers, the security sector led by ONS, will be at the airport to receive and screen the 180 returnees from Libya.
Every year, hundreds of Sierra Leoneans leave the shores of this country heading to Europe and other parts of the globe in search of greener pastures. Sometimes these travelers use illegal and risky travel channels. Some lose their lives while others get stranded in other countries.
Following several distress calls and media publications, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation engaged members of the diplomatic community to assist Sierra Leonean citizens stranded in other countries including Libya. The Ministry engaged IOM to assist destitute Sierra Leoneans in Libya.
BM/15/11/17
Thursday November 16, 2017.
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