Supporting Institutional Readiness of the Bossaso Migration Response Centre

On 10 November 2025, the International Labour Organization (ILO), through the UK FCDO funded Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme, formally transferred IT equipment and office furniture to the Bossaso Migration Response Centre (MRC) in Puntland, Somalia. This handover marks an important step towards strengthening the Centre’s operational capacity and enhancing the delivery of protection and assistance services to migrants.

Bossaso, a major port city in northeastern Somalia, serves as a key transit point along the Horn of Africa migration route toward the Arabian Peninsula. Many migrants passing through the city are in search of improved economic opportunities but face significant risks, including exploitation, physical hardship, and limited access to basic services.

The support provided, comprising IT equipment and office furniture aims to modernize the MRC’s infrastructure and improve the efficiency and quality of services delivered. Strengthening the Centre’s institutional capacity is essential to ensuring timely, coordinated, and effective support for migrants in vulnerable situations. The enhanced capacity of the MRC has already contributed to improved service delivery. To date, 1,530 migrants (1,117 males and 413 women), have visited the Centre. Of these, 397 migrant workers (215 males and 182 women) have directly benefited from services, including medical assistance, distribution of non-food items, counselling, referrals to specialized services, and awareness-raising on the risks of irregular migration. The centre has also ensured inclusive service provision, assisting 17 persons with disabilities (14 males and 3 women), reinforcing its commitment to reaching the most vulnerable groups. This initiative underscores the importance of strengthening frontline service delivery mechanisms as part of broader efforts to improve migration governance and protect migrant workers along key migration corridors.