“I travelled to Saudi Arabia because of unemployment in Hargeisa [Somaliland]. There are no job in Hargeisa so we went to Saudi Arabia to find work,” says Leyla, a returnee to Somalia. “But we has no permits, so we were detained and deported to our country.”
With support from the European Union, IOM provides reception assistance to returned migrants.
“We were well received, when we landed at the airport,” explains Fuad, her husband who returned to Somalia with her. “A minibus was waiting and took us to the reception centre. At the center we got nice accommodation. We have received good meals, drinks and other things. We highly appreciate the welcoming and nice accommodation. I hope we will have a good life in Hargeisa. A very good life… I expect to be well received by my family. And I hope I will find a job, God willing. ”
“God willing, we will remain hopeful for the future and have a happy life. I want my kids to experience happiness as well. It’s not so important to be rich, - we just want to live normal lives,” concludes Leyla.
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Details
- Publication date
- 23 May 2018
- Region and Country
- Somalia
- Thematic
- Greater economic and employment opportunities
- Partner
- International Organization for Migration