Migration remains a dominant topic in global news, sparking political debate and raising pressing humanitarian concerns. At the heart of these movements lies a common quest, which is the search for better living conditions. Economic hardship, climate change, political instability and high unemployment are just a few of the factors driving many Chadians to leave their homeland, often embarking on long and perilous journeys toward a distant and uncertain promised land. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), 29,7946 Chadians were living abroad.

Located in the heart of the African continent, Chad holds a strategic position on the migration map. Historically shaped by population movements, the country today is primarily affected by rural exodus. Large numbers of young people, typically between the ages of 12 and 20, are leaving rural areas for urban centers in search of better opportunities.

On the international front, only a small proportion of Chadians, often those from wealthier backgrounds, are able to migrate to Western countries. This trend raises serious concerns about brain drain and the depletion of human capital in a country that can scarcely afford to lose its most treasured human resources. According to data collected by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) from the interior ministries of Greece, Italy, Spain and Malta, more than 1,723 Chadian migrants have arrived in these four countries since the beginning of 2016. In 2023 alone, three of them reported a total of 208 arrivals of Chadian nationals.

In 2023, the Chadian Diaspora in France was estimated to number between 8,000 and 8,500 people. This figure likely includes naturalised French citizens of Chadian origin, dual nationals and their descendants.

Chad’s geographic location underscores its strategic role as a hub in regional and intercontinental migration. Situated at the crossroads of West and East Africa, the country serves as a key transit point for migrants heading toward the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia or attempting to reach Europe via North Africa. As a migratory crossroads, Chad now plays a triple role: it is a country of departure, a transit zone, and increasingly a key player in migrant return processes. 

The Chadian diaspora represents a significant resource for national development. According to a 2021 study conducted by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Chadian government, members of the diaspora send an average of 125,302 CFA francs (approximately US$131) per month to family members in N’Djamena.

Guided return programmes for more humane migration

In response to the growing complexity and dangers of irregular migration, the Chadian government has begun to take concrete action. With support from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Chad has established a voluntary repatriation programme for its nationals stranded abroad, particularly in Libya, Niger, Tunisia and Algeria.

The programme offers a humanitarian alternative for vulnerable migrants, many of whom are victims of trafficking, exploitation or violence, thus enabling them to return home with dignity and enhanced safety.

“We provide assistance to migrants who are stranded or in vulnerable situations. The aim is to facilitate their safe and voluntary return as well as help them reintegrate socially and economically,” explains Christina Atekmangoh, Programme Manager at IOM Chad.

Since 2023, more than 4,000 Chadians have benefited from the voluntary return programme. On 8 April 2025, 172 migrants arriving from Libya were received at Hassan Djamous International Airport in N’Djamena. During the reception, Mbodou Seïd, Director General of Chadians Abroad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasised the significance of the government’s efforts:

“This return is a proactive response to the deteriorating living conditions our citizens faced abroad. It underscores the vital role of the State in protecting its people.”

Reintegration support 

The programme goes beyond basic repatriation by offering structured reintegration assistance to returning migrants. Upon arrival, beneficiaries are welcomed at a reception center in N’Djamena, where they participate in a two-day training workshop focused on small business creation and management. Following the training, they are invited to submit a business plan to the IOM, which then provides support to help them implement their entrepreneurial projects, laying the groundwork for sustainable reintegration and self-reliance.

Follow-up monitoring is conducted at 1, 3, 6 and 9 months after return to assess the success of reintegration efforts. However, challenges remain. Some returnees become unreachable once they return to their communities, making it difficult to evaluate the long-term outcomes of the programme.

“Sometimes we are unable to contact certain beneficiaries once they’ve returned home. This complicates our follow-up efforts,” notes Christina Atekmangoh of IOM Chad.

In addition, the programme faces ongoing logistical hurdles. These include occasional coordination difficulties with Chadian authorities, complex administrative procedures in Libya and unexpected delays. 

A forward-thinking approach

As a crossroads for migration, Chad faces major challenges. But through these initiatives, it is taking a more humane and structured approach to migration. Voluntary return is not just a humanitarian operation. It is also a lever for local development, an opportunity to reintegrate and develop the skills of returning citizens.

The challenge now is to develop a coherent, comprehensive and sustainable national migration strategy. A policy that goes beyond managing migration flows and focuses on young people, entrepreneurship and regional integration to turn migration into a driver of growth.