In the past few days, Italy has welcomed 89 refugees, who arrived through the resettlement program coordinated with the Italian Interior Ministry and the cooperation of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the support of UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency), IOM (the International Organization for Migration), and SAI (the System for Shelter and Integration).

The group marks the first arrivals for 2025, but according to a UNHCR press release, should be the the beginning of a more constant and regular implementation phase of this important international protection instrument for particularly vulnerable refugees.

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Since 2015, a total of 2,838 refugees reached Italy via scheme

Since the beginning of this resettlement program in 2015, a total of 2,838 refugees have reached Italy safely and legally.

They came from Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Libya, Pakistan, Iran, Sudan, and Syria. The people who arrived in recent days came from Turkey and Pakistan. For the most part, Afghan families, many with children.

Out of 89 persons, 36 are minors. The refugees will be sheltered by the System for Shelter and Integration (SAI).

The resettlement is an anchor of safety offering hope and protection to persons who are exposed to extreme risks, underscored the press release, because it represents a durable solution, and at the same time, it plays a crucial role in alleviating pressure on the first countries of asylum. It also strengthens the general protection context.

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The importance of cooperation

Thanks to the cooperation between institutions and partners, noted UNHCR, the long-term solutions offered by resettlement reduces the dependency on long-term assistance, promotes security, restores dignity, and helps to prevent desperate and dangerous voyages that many are forced to go on.

The Italian Interior Ministry, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, SAI, UNHCR, and IOM will continue to cooperate to strengthen access to safe and legal channels contributing to saving lives, favoring integration, and offering refugees new prospects for a future, concludes the press release.

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