Why?
This operation aims to meet the immediate food, non-food and welfare needs of 5,018 returnees. Since 15 February 2017, there has been a rapid increase in the number of Filipino returnees from the state of Sabah in Malaysia arriving in Zamboanga City, Mindanao. While repatriations were procedural and common prior to the increase, the sinking of a vessel that previously transported the returnees prompted suspension of the exercise in September 2016. The suspension of repatriations led to a backlog of approximately 7,000 undocumented Filipino migrants in Sabah.
As of 27 March, a total of 1,982 returnees have arrived since the exercise started on 15 February. This project takes places in Zamboanga port, where returnees enter from Sabah.
What?
This project will meet the needs of affected populations through the setting up of welfare desks, providing psychosocial support, supporting returnees to make free calls to their relatives, providing essential household items, disseminating basic hygiene messages, and giving hot meals to all returnees.
Who?
This project reaches 5,081 returness (1,004 families).