Cairo/Hannover, Germany, 7 December – UN Migration Agency (IOM) Egypt and the Embassy of Germany successfully facilitated the resettlement of 256 refugees of several nationalities such as Syrian, Iraqi, Somali, Eritrean, Iranian, Sudanese and South Sudanese from Egypt to Germany. The group boarded a charter flight from Cairo on the 7^th of December, and landed in Hannover. Another charter flight will be scheduled to depart early 2018.

In September 2017, the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) requested IOM to arrange travel for 363 passengers. 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 whom IOM conducts pre-departure orientation.  The primary objectives of the orientation are to facilitate integration by providing newcomers with information that will help them navigate their first few months in country.   The orientation also helps manage realistic expectations and offers refugees the opportunity to raise questions and concerns, and seek clarification on topics related to their resettlement. Upon arrival, the refugees will receive another two weeks of post-arrival orientation, which includes a presentation of NGOs and services that will assist refugees in Germany.

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