The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced a major milestone, revealing that more than 100,000 migrants have voluntarily returned home from Libya since 2015 under its Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme.
The figure highlights a decade of IOM’s efforts to support migrants stranded across Libya in unsafe conditions, providing them with a safe and dignified way to return to their home countries.
According to IOM, migrants returned to 49 countries across Africa and Asia, including Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Bangladesh and The Gambia. Of the total, nearly 73,000 were men, around 17,000 were women, and over 10,000 were children—many of them unaccompanied.
Nicoletta Giordano, Chief of Mission at IOM Libya, said the programme remains essential amid high protection risks and limited legal migration pathways. “VHR offers a crucial, life-saving option for those who wish to return home,” she said.
The VHR programme provides comprehensive support before departure and after return, including travel document assistance, health checks, psychosocial support, and reintegration help.
IOM stressed that all returns are voluntary and based on informed consent, even when options are limited. The organisation uses strong monitoring and evaluation tools to ensure accountability and improve assistance.
Just last week, IOM arranged five return flights—from Benghazi, Sebha, and Misrata—demonstrating the broad reach of the programme.
Among those helped are John and Temnaia, a Nigerian couple who met in Libya. After the birth of their daughter, they struggled to find opportunities for her future. “We didn’t see a future for her here,” John said, underscoring the importance of the VHR route.
While IOM continues to support voluntary returns, it remains concerned about the risks facing migrants along the Central Mediterranean route.
