IOM Trains 36 Officers Ahead of Returning Migrants’ Arrival in Sierra Leone
Aaron Parker The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, has trained 36 frontline officers at Freetown International Airport to improve the reception, protection and reintegration support provided to returning Sierra Leoneans.
The training was conducted through the European Union-funded Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA), as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s capacity to manage the return of migrants safely and with dignity.
The officers were trained on the Post-Arrival and Reintegration Needs Assessment (PARNA) tool, which helps identify the immediate needs and vulnerabilities of returning migrants and determine the support required for their successful reintegration.
The training also equipped participants with practical skills in making timely referrals, providing psychosocial support and delivering assistance that takes into account the protection needs of returnees.
Participants were drawn from the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, security agencies, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Port Health Services, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant institutions.
According to IOM, the trained officers are expected to apply the knowledge and skills gained during a charter flight operation scheduled for the following day, helping to ensure a coordinated and protection-centred reception for returning Sierra Leoneans.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening cooperation among government institutions and improving preparedness to address the needs of migrants returning to the country.
Through the programme, IOM and the Government of Sierra Leone are working to reinforce national return and reintegration systems to ensure that returning migrants receive appropriate assistance, protection and support upon arrival.