By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a remarkable humanitarian effort, 168 stranded Sierra Leonean migrant workers have been safely repatriated from Lebanon. This operation, a collaborative initiative led by the Sierra Leone Consulate in Lebanon and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), concluded successfully on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, as the migrants departed from Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut bound for Freetown.
This latest repatriation follows an earlier batch of Sierra Leoneans who returned home on November 5, 2024. Both efforts were driven by the pressing need to evacuate citizens impacted by the ongoing Israeli incursion into Lebanon, which left many foreign workers vulnerable and displaced.
In response to the conflict, the Sierra Leone Consulate, in partnership with IOM and the Sierra Leonean Community Committee in Lebanon, swiftly mobilized resources to assist affected nationals. Temporary shelters were arranged on the outskirts of Beirut to shield the migrants from the escalating violence. Beyond safety, the Consulate ensured that these individuals had access to critical support, including food, healthcare, and secure accommodation.
The well-coordinated evacuation was made possible through the collective efforts of the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and financial backing from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The returning migrants expressed profound gratitude for the assistance they received during their time of need. Kadiatu, one of the repatriates, shared her relief and joy, saying, “I felt out of hope in the shelter, and now I can’t express how happy I am. Truly, there is no place like home.”
The migrants also paid tribute to the late Sierra Leonean Consul in Lebanon, Pa Hashim Hussein Hashim, who passed away in September 2024. Remembered as a compassionate leader and father figure, his efforts to protect and support Sierra Leoneans during his tenure were lauded by the returnees.
Upon their arrival in Freetown, the returnees were welcomed by an IOM team, marking the end of a harrowing ordeal. This operation is part of IOM’s ongoing mission to assist migrants displaced by the conflict in Lebanon.
In addition to the Sierra Leoneans, IOM recently facilitated the return of migrants to other countries, including 40 to Kenya, six to Bangladesh, and two to Togo. IOM estimates that over 24,750 migrants have been displaced by the conflict in Lebanon, with many requiring urgent humanitarian assistance such as shelter, food, and medical care.
Mathieu Luciano, Head of IOM Lebanon, commended the collaboration, stating, “IOM is proud to support these migrants in their most difficult moments to return home safely and with dignity. We continue to work with partners to arrange more return flights for vulnerable migrants in Lebanon.”
The crisis in Lebanon has highlighted longstanding vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers, particularly domestic workers. Many of them, predominantly women, have endured exploitation and lack of legal protections. The ongoing hostilities exacerbated these issues, with some migrants abandoned by employers or confined to unsafe conditions.
The Sierra Leone Consulate in Lebanon, alongside IOM, remains unwavering in its dedication to the well-being of Sierra Leoneans abroad. This repatriation effort stands as a testament to the Consulate’s proactive approach to safeguarding its citizens and underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises.
While the return of these 168 individuals is a significant milestone, it also serves as a reminder of the challenges that displaced migrants continue to face. The Consulate and its partners are committed to providing ongoing support and advocating for the protection of vulnerable Sierra Leoneans in conflict zones.
