South Sudan Urges IOM to Expand Voluntary Return Programme for Citizens in Egypt
By Patricia John
The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in the Arab Republic of Egypt has appealed to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to accelerate the voluntary humanitarian return process and expand the number of South Sudanese nationals who can benefit from the programme.
The appeal was made during a meeting between H.E. Ambassador Kuol Nyok Kuol Arop, Head of Mission of the Embassy of South Sudan in Egypt, accompanied by the Embassy’s Consular Team, and the IOM Egypt delegation led by Chief of Mission Mr. Carlos Oliver Cruz, alongside Ms. Victoria Klimova, Programme Manager (Protection) Yasmin, and other members of the IOM team.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation under the Voluntary Humanitarian Return Programme, which supports South Sudanese nationals in Egypt who wish to return home voluntarily, safely, and with dignity.
Ambassador Kuol Nyok commended IOM Egypt for its continued partnership and the successful implementation of the programme over the past year, noting that it has enabled many South Sudanese citizens to return home safely.
Recognizing the challenges currently facing many South Sudanese living in Egypt, the Ambassador urged IOM to speed up the voluntary return process and increase the number of beneficiaries to meet the growing demand.
In response, IOM Egypt welcomed the request and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the programme, subject to the completion of the necessary technical procedures and eligibility assessments.
Both parties agreed that the Embassy will coordinate the registration of South Sudanese nationals wishing to return voluntarily and submit the lists to IOM for processing. Following the required assessments, IOM will facilitate the return of as many eligible beneficiaries as possible.
The meeting concluded with both the Embassy and IOM reaffirming their shared commitment to working together to provide practical, humane, and dignified solutions for South Sudanese nationals seeking voluntary return.
The Embassy has encouraged South Sudanese nationals residing in Egypt who wish to return home voluntarily to contact the Embassy for registration and further guidance.
