Cairo/Hannover, 15 February 2018 – UN Migration Agency (IOM) Egypt and the Embassy of Germany facilitated the resettlement of 107 refugees, of several nationalities including Syrian, Iraqi, Somali, Eritrean, Iranian, Sudanese and South Sudanese from Egypt to Germany. This is the second group to be resettled following the departure of 256 refugees in  December 2017. The group boarded charter flights from Cairo and landed in Hannover as scheduled. 

In September 2017, the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) requested IOM to arrange travel for 363 refugees. The individuals, referred by UNHCR and interviewed by BAMF, were accepted for resettlement to Germany. The German Government led the speedy selection and departure process.IOM Egypt, in coordination with the Embassy of Germany, received support and assistance from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in facilitating the issuance of the exit permits.

IOM provided medical screenings, pre-departure assistance, and a pre-departure orientation training for all refugees aged 15 years and older. Germany is one of over 20 resettlement countries for which IOM conducts pre-departure orientation. Such orientation is designed to facilitate the integration of newcomers by providing them with information to help them navigate the first few months in the new country. The orientation also helps manage realistic expectations and offers refugees the opportunity to raise questions or concerns and seek clarification on topics related to their resettlement. Upon arrival, the refugees will receive another two weeks of post-arrival orientations, which include a presentation of NGOs and services that assist refugees in Germany.

For more information, please contact IOM Egypt movement Operations, Tel: +202 27365154; Email: iomegypt@iom.int