UN IOM representative calls for safe And legal migration abroad

Officials of the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Italian Embassy held a meeting with migrants affected by climate change and returning abroad illegally in Shibchar, Madaripur.

The meeting was organized at 11:30 am on Tuesday near Sannasirchar Primary School in Sannasirchar Union of the upazila. During this time, the delegation visited various work initiatives of migrants affected by climate change and returning abroad assisted by IOM in Shibchar. During this time, they discussed with local public representatives, government officials and community members. And listened to the painful stories of migrants returning from different countries who went illegally and discouraged everyone present from going abroad in a risky way. And encouraged them to go abroad legally.

Speaking as the chief guest, Ugochi Daniel, Deputy Director General for Operations of the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), said, “Many people are being tortured, burdened with debt and many families are losing everything due to their irregular migration. This is my second visit to Bangladesh. Our goal is to ensure that when people migrate, it is safe, regular and with dignity. Today, I have heard many heartbreaking experiences where people have been tortured, burdened with debt and many families have even lost their land.”

He added, “This is not my first visit to Madaripur. Italy has a sincere relationship with the people here. We will continue to cooperate in this project to reduce irregular migration and help persecuted migrants return from abroad.”“We will continue to fight against human traffickers and migrant smuggling rings. At the same time, strict measures will continue to be taken to prevent illegal migration in Italy.”

Also present were IOM Chief of Mission Officer Laura Tom Bonde, IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Lori Cato, Italian Police Major Giuseppe Di Giovanni attached to the Italian Embassy, various officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Kohinoor Howlader, Chairman of the local Sannasirchar Union, among others.