The Mozambican Government may close the Maratane Refugee Centre in Nampula Province as part of a review of the status of people currently accommodated at the facility.
The announcement was made by the Governor of Nampula during a visit to one of the centres, which accommodates around 250 families. The governor said authorities intend to assess each refugee’s situation individually and return to their countries of origin those found to be staying in Mozambique illegally.
“We will assess each case, and whoever is here illegally or whose situation is not in order, we will return them to their country of origin. We want legality here,” the governor said.
The governor also criticised the prolonged stay of some refugees in Mozambique, referring to people who have lived in the country for more than two decades.
“You have been here for 21 years. You are eating, you are looking good, you are dressed, you are eating, and you are complaining that we are not feeding you well,” he said, arguing that refugees should acknowledge the support provided by the Mozambican Government.
According to the governor, Nampula has historically welcomed refugees and provided conditions that allow them to work and engage in economic activities outside the refugee centres.
He specifically mentioned refugees who have established businesses in the Muhala Expansão area and other parts of Nampula city.
“In Nampula Province, many of you who are here already have businesses in Muhala Expansão and businesses everywhere. You only come here to hide as refugees while you go back there. We are going to put an end to this. We do not want that,” he said.
The authorities are therefore advocating for greater integration of refugees who meet the legal requirements to remain in Mozambique, while those whose immigration status is not regularised could be returned to their countries of origin.
The governor also compared the conditions provided at Maratane with those in other countries, noting that refugees in Mozambique have the freedom to move around and work.
No date has so far been announced for the possible closure of the Maratane Refugee Centre, and authorities have not provided details on the future of the families currently living there. (MozaNorte)
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