Beirut - IOM Lebanon is helping Kenyan migrants return home. This follows a sit-in protest by approximately 50 migrants outside the Kenyan consulate in early January 2022, demanding assistance to leave Lebanon due to impossible living conditions. Some of these migrants had resorted to sleeping in the street outside the consulate.

Following requests by migrant sector partners, Kenyan community members, and in coordination with the Kenyan authorities in Beirut, Nairobi, and Kuwait, IOM has been registering Kenyan migrants for Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR). IOM case workers conducted vulnerability assessments to identify humanitarian needs requiring immediate attention. Following this, assistance over several months was provided, including hygiene and dignity kits, winter clothing, blankets, and food parcels.

“I am grateful for the timely and humanitarian interventions by IOM Lebanon to alleviate the suffering of many migrants and Kenyans alike,” said Halima Mohamud, Kenyan Ambassador to Kuwait. “Through the coordination with IOM officials 84 Kenyans were able to travel back to Kenya and many more are in the process of doing so.”

A large portion of the Kenyan caseload processed by IOM since January, came to Lebanon in 2021 to work as domestic workers. According to IOM case managers, many were deceived by the type of work, and/or salary they would receive. Labor exploitation, including excessive working hours, unpaid salaries, forced confinement, and even sexual abuse, were reported. This demonstrates that despite Lebanon’s economic deterioration, the country remains a country of destination for migrants, and that abuse and exploitation of migrants continues.

“IOM’s VHR programme is vital for migrants who want to leave Lebanon and return home in a safe, regular and dignified manner,” said Mathieu Luciano, Head of IOM in Lebanon. “The economic situation in Lebanon is massively impacting migrants’ ability to survive. In addition to the impact of COVID-19, migrant workers in the country continue to face consequences of the harsh ongoing economic crisis.”

“We in IOM Lebanon are working with all relevant authorities and partners to support vulnerable migrants in the country, and to ensure appropriate and timely assistance to those who wish to return home safely.”

Between January and March 2022, 84 Kenyan migrants have returned home through IOM, with another 27 currently receiving case management support from IOM and in the process of being flown home.

Returnees are provided with pre-departure accommodation, airport escorts, and cash-based post arrival support to cover onward travel and/or temporary accommodation. In addition, returnees have been provided with reintegration support by IOM Kenya. This consists of in-kind support to the value of $1,500 per individual. This support is designed to assist returning migrant reestablish sustainable livelihood options in their home country.

Overall, in the first quarter of 2022, IOM has assisted 157 migrants return home from Lebanon, with over 90% referred for reintegration support by IOM country of origin missions.