By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Immigration Department said on Wednesday that 156 Gambian migrants had returned home from Libya, arriving at Banjul International Airport as part of a voluntary repatriation effort coordinated with the International Organization for Migration.
In a statement, the department said the returns were facilitated under the International Organization for Migration’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program, which supports migrants who choose to leave transit or host countries and return to their countries of origin.
Officials described the operation as part of a broader effort to safeguard vulnerable migrants and encourage safer migration practices. The program, they said, provides not only transportation but also reintegration assistance aimed at helping returnees rebuild their lives, often beginning with reunification with family members.
“This collaborative effort aligns with the GID’s institutional stance against irregular migration and continuous desire to promote safer and regular migration routes,” the department said.
Libya has long been a major transit point for migrants from West Africa attempting to reach Europe, many of whom face harsh conditions, exploitation, and detention along the way. In recent years, international agencies and governments in the region have expanded voluntary return programs as an alternative to dangerous onward journeys.
The Gambia Immigration Department expressed appreciation for the continued partnership with the International Organization for Migration, noting that such cooperation remains critical in addressing migration challenges and supporting affected citizens.
The Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program provides administrative, logistical, and financial assistance to migrants who are unable or unwilling to remain in their current locations, offering what officials describe as a safe and dignified pathway home, along with support for reintegration.
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