UNHCR praises plan for repatriating illegal immigrants

PESHAWAR: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has appreciated the KP government efforts for making special arrangements for the repatriation of the illegal immigrants and extending them all the required facilities.

The appreciation was voiced as a three-member delegation led by the representative of UNHCR for Pakistan, Ms Philippa Candler, called on the caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan here on Friday, said a handout.

Both discussed matters related to repatriation of illegal immigrants living in the province. KP Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry and Additional Chief Secretary Home Muhammad Abid Majeed were also present on the occasion.

Philippa Candler said that UNHCR is thankful to the government of Pakistan and its people for hosting such a large number of refugees for the last several decades.

Expressing appreciation for the KP government efforts for making special arrangements for the repatriation of the illegal immigrants and extending them facilities, Philippa Candler hoped that coordination between the provincial government and UNHCR will continue till the end to facilitate the repatriation of immigrants to the maximum.

Earlier, the chief minister said the repatriation process of illegal immigrants is in progress smoothly so far, adding all possible facilities are being extended to the immigrants going back to homeland voluntarily, and the provincial government has allocated special funds for the purpose.

“The immigrants returning back are being treated humanely, and the humanitarian aspect of the matter is fully taken care of whereas elderly people, women and children are being accorded special treatment as per the traditions of the land,” he said.

Azam Khan added that specific transit points had been set up for temporary stay of such immigrants having all the required facilities.He maintained that an effective grievance redressal mechanism had also been put in place to address any kind of complaints or concerns of the immigrants on an immediate basis.

The chief minister said all-out efforts are being made to ensure that every single immigrant going back home gets proper treatment and no one is mistreated.He stated that coordination mechanisms between the UNHCR and the relevant provincial departments would be strengthened to complete the repatriation process amicably.