171 Somali migrants stranded in Libya were assisted to return home on a charter flight organized by the International Organization for Migration.
Several of the migrants, among them three minors, had become stranded in Libya after enduring dangerous travel conditions across multiple countries, only to encounter precarious living conditions, exploitation, and abuse by people smugglers.
Separated from their families and with limited access to basic services, many found themselves in need of urgent humanitarian assistance and support for protection.
Supported by the European Union through the Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration in Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA) project, and in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, the charter flight first landed at Egal International Airport in Hargeisa, where 42 returnees disembarked.
The remaining returnees arrived at Aden Abdulle International Airport in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, where they were welcomed by authorities and their families before receiving immediate post-arrival assistance.
“Migration should never compromise a person’s safety, dignity or future. By supporting voluntary returns and reintegration, the government, the EU and IOM are enabling Somali migrants to turn a challenging chapter into an opportunity to rebuild their lives at home, in safety, with dignity, and integrated in their communities,” said Manuel Marques Pereira, Chief of Mission of IOM Somalia.
Since the launch of the MPRR-SSA programme in August 2022, the partnership between the Federal Government of Somalia, the European Union and IOM has already facilitated the voluntary return of 2,062 Somali migrants from Libya.
Additional charter flights are expected during the final quarter of 2026.
Each year, hundreds of Somali migrants embark on irregular journeys along what is known as the Northern Mediterranean Route, passing through multiple countries in hopes of reaching Europe.
According to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report, published in July 2026, more than 1,500 Somali migrants were stranded in Libya; many are living in dangerous and precarious conditions. Insecurity and the lack of essentials such as food, shelter and healthcare in Libya expose migrants to many protection risks.
Thousands urgently require protection and humanitarian assistance.
Under the MPRR-SSA, IOM assists Somali migrants to return home voluntarily in safety and dignity.
Upon return, the migrants are supported with basic resources to address immediate needs, temporary accommodation, medical assistance (including mental health and psychosocial support), and onward transportation for those reuniting with families outside of the capital.
This package is later complemented with tailored direct financial support to facilitate their reintegration into local communities and foster prosperity.
Source: IOM Somalia
