Govt-IOM initiative brings back 136 expatriates from Sudan

The government alongside the International Organization for Migration (IOM) successfully repatriated 136 Bangladeshi nationals in the first group from Sudan on Monday as they had been stranded in various locations across the conflict-torn African country, says a press release.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has left many Bangladeshi expatriates in a precarious situation. In response to the crisis, the foreign ministry with the support of its missions in Sudan and Jeddah, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and IOM have taken an initiative to repatriate affected Bangladeshis.

The 136 expatriates who arrived Monday morning at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport are the first of over 680 Bangladeshis enlisted for a safe journey back home from Sudan thanks to the combined efforts and collaboration of IOM and the Bangladesh government. 

There are around 800 more Bangladeshis yet to be registered for returning from Sudan which has been embroiled in brutal clashes since 15 April.

While the government in close coordination with its diplomatic missions in Sudan and Saudi Arabia made all necessary arrangements to ensure the safe passage of more than 680 vulnerable Bangladeshi nationals, their air travel from the Saudi city of Jeddah to Dhaka was sponsored by IOM with flight tickets and other necessary arrangements.

Upon arrival the returnees were provided with meals and onward transportation allowance by the Wage Earners' Welfare Board and IOM, facilitating their safe return back to their places of origin.

Receiving the returnees at the airport, Imran Ahmed, minister for expatriates' welfare, stated, "Don't worry. You have contributed significantly to our country, but unfortunately, you've lost everything in Sudan. Now, each of you is returning empty-handed. Rest assured, we are here to help and support you."

"The government will provide all possible financial assistance, and the International Organization for Migration will be offering their support as well. Our primary goal is to alleviate any inconvenience you may face during this difficult time," he added.

Representatives from the foreign ministry expressed their gratitude to the IOM for its cooperation during the delicate safe travel operation and emphasised the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of its nationals abroad. They said, "Our government is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of every Bangladeshi, no matter where they are in the world. The invaluable assistance and expertise of the IOM have been instrumental in helping us bring our citizens home safely from Sudan during this challenging time."

Fathima Nusrath Ghazzali, officer in charge of IOM Bangladesh, reiterated the organisation's commitment to supporting the Government of Bangladesh in this humanitarian effort. "Our priority is the safety and well-being of these vulnerable individuals. We are fully committed to working with the government to ensure a smooth and efficient repatriation process."

As the volatile situation in Sudan continues to escalate, the Government of Bangladesh and IOM remain on alert in monitoring events and are prepared to offer further assistance as needed. The remaining Bangladeshi nationals are expected to return to the country in the coming days.