A Syrian family’s story

A Syrian family of four, two minors and the couple, migrated to Timor-Leste in hopes to find better job opportunities and life conditions there. However, the main provider of the family became a victim of labour exploitation for years, as his employers forced him to work long hours with no pay, taking advantage of his irregular status in the country. The family wished to continue their migration journey to Egypt in search of better job opportunities, but as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the travel restrictions made it impossible. Stranded in Timor-Leste in a very precarious situation, the Syrian family had to rely on humanitarian assistance to survive. They requested IOM’s support for their onward travel to Egypt but travel permits could not be issued as the country was imposing stricter lockdown measures.

The Global Assistance Fund was therefore contacted by IOM in Timor-Leste to support the needs of this family while travelling would not be possible. Following a vulnerability assessment and screening undertaken by IOM, the caseworkers put together an assistance plan that included support with accommodation, food and care for the children. GAF provided this support for one month until the travel restrictions were lifted.