Repatriation of Stranded Migrants (Batch 3&4)

It’s already six months since we went to the site where stranded migrants had been living before our intervention that took them out of the streets to a home in Hanoi. We realized it was the best decision which was timely as the Dangerous Typhoon Yagi came and swept houses and illegal structures away just a few days after we moved these brothers to a home. It would have been a life-threatening experience for them to be sleeping on the street (by the lake) when that dangerous typhoon struck Hanoi.

We’ll continue our effort to keep our commitment till those we committed to help are fully repatriated to their homebase. While we are grateful for the lives that have been restored or protected, we continue to create awareness about dubious visa agents luring people into illegal migration to Vietnam and other countries.

We also believe that this effort will help create a process for government intervention soon or later but before that, we ultimately took full responsibility for ensuring these individuals were safely repatriated. Through community efforts, financial support, and persistent action, Batch 3 and Batch 4 of repatriations were successfully completed in October and December 2024, respectively.

The Financial Burden & Community Support

 The cost of overstaying in Vietnam is extremely high, and most migrants in this situation receive NO refund from their agents nor any financial support from their own families . To raise the necessary funds, I reached out to few  friends, volunteers in the African Christian Fellowship, and a business owner (asked to be anonymous) who played a significant role, providing both financial and emotional support. These contributions made it possible to clear visa penalties and book flights for those that urgently needed to go home.

Batch 3: October 2024 – A Long-Awaited Return

The third batch consisted of two individuals who had overstayed for more than six months. After being deceived by visa agents, they found themselves stranded with no work, no housing, and no means of returning home. Their situation was particularly difficult, as they had no financial support from family or friends.

We met government departments to secure clearance from immigration, pay their overstay penalties, and book their flights. After months of uncertainty, they successfully departed Vietnam in October 2024, just few weeks after Typhoon Yagi had passed. Their return home brought immense relief, marking the beginning of a fresh start with their families.

Batch 4: December 2024 – One More Reunited with Family

The fourth batch involved one individual who had been stranded in Vietnam for almost a year. With no legal status, no income, and no access to healthcare, his living conditions were worsening. After finally reaching out for help, we mobilized funds to clear his overstay penalties and book his flight home.

In December 2024, he safely returned home, ending a long and painful chapter of his life. His story is a testament to the importance of community-driven efforts in rescuing those left behind by the system. 

The Harsh Reality for Overstayed Migrants

These successful repatriations highlight the challenges many stranded migrants face in Vietnam:

• Exorbitant Overstay Fines – The longer the overstay, the higher the penalty, making it impossible for many migrants to afford repatriation.
• Strict Clearance Process – Leaving Vietnam after overstaying is not straightforward. It requires legal clearance, financial settlements, and official documentation.
• Abandoned by Visa Agents – Many migrants were lured by fraudulent agents with false promises of jobs. Once their visas expired, these agents cut off communication, leaving them stranded with no way out.
• No Financial Backup – Many of the individuals we have helped had no support from family or friends, making it nearly impossible for them to leave Vietnam without external intervention.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

While we celebrate these successes, many more stranded migrants still need help. We continue to advocate for support systems, raise awareness, and seek long-term solutions to prevent others from falling into the same situation.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to these repatriations—the business owner that generously supported, friends and all individuals who donated through the Hanoi International Fellowship. Your generosity has changed lives, and together, we will continue working towards a sustainable solution.

If you wish to support this mission, please reach out. Every act of kindness, donation, and shared message makes a difference.

Greetings,

Tomi

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