Ukhiya, Nov 05 (V7N)- Two separate delegations, including representatives from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Finnish Embassy, visited the Ukhia Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar on Tuesday (November 5) to assess conditions and initiatives related to repatriation and development programs for Rohingya refugees.

An 8-member USCIS delegation, led by Kerry Lewis Schantz, arrived at the Madhurchhara Refugee Processing Center Hub in Ukhia around 1:30 p.m. and departed at 4:30 p.m. The delegation’s primary focus was to evaluate the status of the planned repatriation of 20,000 Rohingyas to the United States. As part of this, they reviewed aspects like health, technical skills, and legal challenges faced by the refugees. The repatriation program is expected to continue until December 14, and today's visit marks an initial step in ensuring a smooth transition for the refugees.

Earlier in the day, around 11 a.m., a separate 4-member Finnish delegation, led by Finnish Ambassador Kimo Lahdevierta, visited the Ukhia camp. They toured various facilities and observed development activities organized by international agencies including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), NGO Forum, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). During their visit, the Finnish delegation spoke with several Rohingya refugees to gain insight into their living conditions and challenges. Ambassador Lahdevierta and his team departed for Cox's Bazar around 3:30 p.m.

Additional Deputy Inspector General Md. Iqbal, Commander of the 14 Armed Police Battalion, confirmed the visits and highlighted the importance of such international engagement in supporting the humanitarian and repatriation efforts for the Rohingya community in Bangladesh.

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