Sudanese Minister of Social Welfare Discusses Voluntary Return Arrangements in Uganda

Kampala –Sudanhorizon

The Sudanese Minister of Human Resources and Social Welfare, Mutasim Ahmed Saleh, met with the Ugandan Minister of Disaster and Refugee Affairs, Ms. Lillian Abeyer, to discuss practical arrangements for facilitating the voluntary return of Sudanese nationals wishing to return to their country. The meeting took place within the framework of the efforts of the National Higher Committee for Voluntary Return and Reintegration.

During the meeting, held in Kampala on Friday, the Minister expressed the appreciation of the Sudanese government and people for Uganda’s hospitality towards theq Sudanese citizens during the years of war. He also commended the contributions of Sudanese expatriates in the health, higher education, investment, and business sectors, reflecting the strong relations and ties between the two nations.

For her part, the Ugandan Minister expressed her strong support for the voluntary return efforts and agreed to expedite and simplify return procedures and close refugee files for those wishing to voluntarily return to Sudan. The Minister of Refugees also tasked the Ugandan Commissioner for Refugees with appointing a point of contact to facilitate the return process. The Chargé d’Affaires at the Sudanese Embassy in Kampala was instructed to coordinate directly with the Ugandan side, according to the Sudan News Agency (SUNA).

Both sides agreed to explore the possibility of allocating a dedicated lane at Entebbe Airport to expedite the return procedures for Sudanese nationals. They also agreed to continue joint coordination to ensure the safe and dignified return of Sudanese citizens.

In a related development, the Minister met with a number of Sudanese beneficiaries of the Direct Aid Organization’s initiative, which provided 1,200 travel tickets in support of the voluntary return program. These tickets were distributed to 300 returnees.

The Minister emphasized that returning to Sudan remains entirely a voluntary choice. He explained that the role of the Higher National Committee is to organize, coordinate, facilitate, and reintegrate returnees. He stressed that the country’s doors are open to all Sudanese citizens wishing to return without preconditions

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=17483