19 irregular Bangladeshi migrants repatriated from Tunisia
The return was facilitated by the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
A total of 19 irregular Bangladeshi migrants were voluntarily repatriated from Tunisia today (24 July).
An Emirates Airlines flight carrying the Bangladeshi migrants arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 8:40am, said a press release.
The return was facilitated by the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Most of the returnees had entered Tunisia illegally with the intention of crossing the Mediterranean to reach Europe, often falling victim to human traffickers.
Several were reportedly abducted or tortured during their stay, the release said.
Officials from the relevant ministries and IOM welcomed the returnees at the airport. They urged them to share their experiences to raise awareness and discourage others from attempting such dangerous journeys.
Each returnee received Tk6,000 in cash, food packages, medical support, and temporary shelter assistance from the IOM.
Efforts are ongoing to repatriate other Bangladeshi nationals detained in various Tunisian detention centers, the release added.
