Uncertain future: 183 refugees left in limbo after Germany resettlement halt

Stranded migrants in Mexico, outside the facilities of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance in the State of Mexico. January 29, 2025. [AFP]

What was supposed to be a life-changing journey for 183 refugees has turned into a painful wait marked by confusion and anxiety.

The group, which had received final travel authorisation to resettle in Germany, was set to depart on May 7, 2025.

But a day before departure, their hopes were crashed.

Following a change in administration, the German government suspended all new resettlement submissions, including those that had already been approved.

The decision came into effect without warning, catching many off guard.

For the 183 refugees, some of whom had quit jobs, sold their few belongings, and bid farewell to the lives they had built in camps, the sudden shift has been devastating.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, one of the 183 narrated the ordeal to The Standard, saying:

"The process began in November 2023. A gruesome interview followed to ascertain whether we were eligible for resettlement. We even did an orientation to ensure we have proper manners and are suited to travel."

"Everything was set up until May 6, when officials from the International Office of Migration came and informed us we were not travelling. The reason being, the German government decided to postpone our resettling, with no definite day."

The team was flown back to Kakuma on Wednesday, May 21, with no confirmed travel dates and no clarity on whether the program will resume.

UNHCR, which had coordinated the planned departures, emphasised that the situation was beyond its control, as the decision lies solely with the incoming German administration.

"Your case remains active unless officially closed," UNHCR assured-but the lack of timelines is little comfort to those whose lives remain in limbo.

The agency also pledged to assist with needs such as ID replacements, shelter arrangements, and basic household items for those displaced by the resettlement confusion.

The agency urged them not to lose hope or act on unconfirmed information.

"Do not sell shelters, quit jobs, or take loans based on unconfirmed travel," warned the agency in a statement, emphasising that resettlement services remain free and official communication will come only through UNHCR or IOM.

However, according to Fatima Adan, a lawyer and Humanitarian Advocate, the decision to halt the travel has affected the refugees significantly, adding that proper communication should have been made.

"It will be difficult for them to be integrated. The situation has affected them psychologically.

However, my hope is they will be taken care of back in Kakuma and facilitated until the issue has been resolved," said Adan.