Migrants stuck in Libya land in Dhaka: IOM

About 148 Bangladeshi migrants, who were stranded in war-torn Libya, have returned home today, according to International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Bangladesh.

A charter flight carrying the returning Bangladeshis, including survivors of failed sea crossings to Europe and detainees, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka today morning, says a release of IOM Bangladesh.

The Dhaka bound flight left Misrata Airport in Libya on Tuesday, while the returnees were assisted upon arrival by IOM staff, the release added.

IOM facilitated the return through its Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme, it said.

IOM staff in Dhaka provided the returning migrants with food, health screenings, psychosocial support and cash assistance for onward travel from the airport to home, it added.

Among them, eight returnees were physically ill. They were given healthcare support and admitted to a hospital for treatment.

Supported by the European Union Trust Fund, the migrants will receive reintegration assistance to restore their lives.

Giorgi Gigauri, IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission, said, “As hostilities continue in Libya, we spare no effort in protecting and assisting the most vulnerable Bangladeshi migrants who find themselves stranded in most precarious conditions. We also make sure that there is a support system available for them upon return home to address the immediate humanitarian and longer-term reintegration needs.”

Since 2015, over 1,400 Bangladeshi migrants have returned home through the VHR programme, says the IOM, Bangladesh release.