The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has disclosed that more than 400 refugees living in Malawi have expressed interest in returning to their home countries.
UNHCR is currently facilitating the repatriation initiative in Malawi— where any refugee and asylum-seeker willing to return to their country of origin on a free and informed choice is given that chance.
A representative of the agency Rehema Miiro told journalists at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe yesterday that those who wish to return home cannot be denied the opportunity.
At the airport, UNHCR and Malawi Government officials witnessed the repatriation of 109 Burundians who had volunteered to return home.
“There still are Burundian refugees who are interested in going back to their country and UNHCR and the Malawi Government will sit down and see how we can support them,” Miiro said.
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This was the second group of Burundians to voluntarily return to their home country. The first comprised 38 people.
Ministry of Homeland Security spokesperson Patrick Botha said voluntary repatriation is one of the most durable solutions for refugee management.
“The process is that after arriving in Burundi, UNHCR and the government there help them to settle amicably,” Botha said.
Speaking to journalists before departure, 35-year-old Emmanuel Ndayizeve—who was running a farm produce business in Lilongwe— said he was delighted to finally return to Burundi having lived in Malawi for nine years.
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“Home is always the best. I am going home; I hear peace has been restored in my country. I will always be grateful for the love I was shown in Malawi by Malawians,” Ndayizeve said.
It is estimated that over $120,000 (approximately K139 million) has been spent on the repatriation exercise.
Over 51,000 refugees and asylum-seekers are said to be living in Malawi.
