Colombo, 05 December - The International Organization for Migration (IOM), facilitated the safe and voluntary repatriation of 53 Sri Lankan migrant workers from Lebanon, pursuant to an official request made by the Government of Sri Lanka.  Four groups of stranded migrants in extremely vulnerable situations were repatriated on 6, 12, 28 November and most recently 04 December 2024 in close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Lebanon, and IOM Lebanon.  

IOM missions in Sri Lanka and Lebanon worked closely to provide comprehensive assistance to the migrants. This included conducting vulnerability screenings, consular assistance and documentation support, organizing travel, offering pre-departure counselling, conducting pre-departure medical evaluations and managing logistics related to voluntary repatriation. Urgent medical needs were also addressed upon migrants’ return to Sri Lanka.

Remarking on the repatriation effort, Ms. Kristin Parco, Chief of Mission for IOM Sri Lanka stated, “The successful repatriation of stranded Sri Lankan migrants from Lebanon highlights the power of coordinated action. IOM Sri Lanka extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Lebanon, and IOM Lebanon for the swift and effective efforts.” She further commended the unwavering commitment of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Lebanon in advocating for the well-being of stranded Sri Lankans, ensuring that their needs were prioritized and addressed amidst volatile circumstances.

An estimated 7,600 Sri Lankan migrant workers are currently in Lebanon. These repatriations mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to support and protect Sri Lankan nationals overseas, particularly those impacted by conflicts and crises. IOM remains resolute in its commitment to facilitating humanitarian returns and upholding the rights and welfare of all migrants.

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For more information, please contact:

Minoli Don - Head of Protection Unit, IOM Sri Lanka, E-mail - mdon@iom.int

Asel Kularatne - Communications Officer, IOM Sri Lanka, E-mail - akularatne@iom.int