Japan provides U$667,000 to support forcibly returned Haitian migrants

The Government of Japan has provided a financial contribution of US$667,000 to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support a new humanitarian project targeting forcibly returned Haitian migrants.

The project, “Providing Comprehensive Assistance to Forcibly Returned Haitian Migrants,” aims to address the urgent needs of returnees amid widespread insecurity, prolonged political instability, and severe economic hardship in Haiti.

The funding will strengthen reception, protection, and assistance services at key border points across the country, particularly in Anse-à-Pitres, Belladère, Cap-Haïtien and Ouanaminthe. It will also support improvements to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in these priority locations.

“The Government of Japan has been a steadfast partner, demonstrating continued solidarity with the people of Haiti during this challenging time,” said Gregoire Goodstein, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Haiti. “This contribution will enable IOM and partners to provide critical assistance to migrants returning in extremely vulnerable conditions, while strengthening essential infrastructure and services at key border crossings.”

The project is designed to deliver immediate humanitarian assistance and structured support to migrants arriving in highly vulnerable conditions. Planned activities include first-line reception and screening, identification of specific vulnerabilities, basic medical assistance, mental health and psychosocial support, referral to protection services, and limited transportation assistance to help migrants safely return to their communities of origin.

Particular attention will be given to the most vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, elderly persons, and migrants requiring urgent medical care.

“This support reflects Japan’s continued commitment to standing alongside the Haitian people during a particularly challenging period. It will enable the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance to individuals facing extremely difficult conditions upon their return to Haiti,” said UENO Yohei, Chargé d’Affaires at the Japanese Embassy in Haiti.

The migration situation remains deeply concerning. Close to 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned to the country in 2024, while the figure rose to more than 270,000 between January and December 2025, representing a 36 per cent increase compared to the previous year. According to recent reports, more than 51,900 Haitians have already been forcibly returned since the beginning of 2026.

Most returns originate from the Dominican Republic, as well as the United States, Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. Many forcibly returned migrants arrive with little or no resources, facing heightened protection risks, deteriorating health conditions, and significant psychological distress.

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All activities will be carried out in close coordination with national and local authorities, including Office National de la Migration, Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches, Police Nationale d’Haïti, and the Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population, along with humanitarian partners operating in the field.

Japan’s support builds on its longstanding humanitarian engagement in Haiti. In 2021, following the devastating earthquake affecting the southern departments, Japan allocated US$900,000 in emergency assistance, enabling support over 3,800 households, rehabilitation of health facilities, and expanded community awareness efforts on disaster preparedness and recovery.

Through this new contribution, Japan and the International Organization for Migration reaffirm their shared commitment to preserving human dignity, strengthening border stability, and supporting Haiti in addressing current migration challenges.