Sweden Allocates 70 Million Kronor to IOM for Afghan, Syrian, Somali Migrant Returns

Sweden's Migration Minister Johan Forssell announced that his country will allocate 70 million kronor to the International Organization for Migration to accelerate the return of migrants from Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia.

Forssell stated the funds would enhance efforts to combat illegal migration and facilitate returns by building capacity for identity verification and providing essentials like housing, shelter, food and medicine upon return.

Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees has not commented on the new Swedish initiative. Previously, a ministry spokesperson emphasized that Afghan migrant returns must be voluntary and urged European countries to support returnees in rebuilding their lives.

Abdul Basit Ansari, a migrant rights activist, said the funding could play a significant role in improving living conditions for returning Afghans.

Alireza Karimi, another migrant rights activist, noted that the approach's effectiveness in countries like Afghanistan depends on improved economic and security conditions, warning that unsuitable circumstances could lead to repeated migration.

Separately, German media reported that 280 Afghan citizens, including women and children, are waiting in Pakistan for relocation to Germany.