A survey by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), carried out in March 2026 amongst 1,604 migrants in Faya and Kalait, reveals that northern Chad is both a destination and a transit area. Whilst 55 per cent of those surveyed are in employment, the study, published on 1 October 2026, also highlights instances of forced labour, debt and poor access to essential services.
Located in northern Chad, the town of Faya, the administrative town of Borkou Province, and Kalait, the administrative town of the Mourtch Department in West Ennedi Province, are major transit areas with high concentrations of migrants. In these towns, migration is not confined to transit to North Africa. Nearly half of those surveyed (48 per cent) regarded Chad as their final destination at the time of their departure. In contrast, 45 per cent had entered the country with the intention of continuing their journey, mainly towards Libya. This diversity in migration routes is also reflected in the reasons for departure. According to the survey, 57 per cent of migrants left their place of residence as a result of conflict, whilst 32 per cent said they had migrated in search of work or better living conditions. The population surveyed is predominantly young: 77 per cent are under 35, with an average age of 28. Sudanese account for 47 per cent of those surveyed and Nigerians for 34 per cent.
According to the report, economic activity plays a major role in the migration patterns observed. More than half of the migrants surveyed – 55 per cent – are in employment. Domestic work tops the list at 30 per cent, ahead of construction and public works (9 per cent), agriculture (7 per cent), accommodation and catering (6 per cent) and retail (6 per cent). Nearly half of those in employment describe themselves as self-employed, whilst 30 per cent are employees. Incomes, however, remain relatively low and vary significantly depending on location. The average monthly income is estimated at 78,160 CFA francs in Kalait, compared with 32,385 CFA francs in Faya. There is also a noticeable gap between the sexes: an average of 73,667 CFA francs for men, compared with 41,313 CFA francs for women. Despite these incomes, 40 per cent of the migrants surveyed report sending money back to their country of origin. In 88 per cent of cases, these remittances are used to support family or relatives with household expenses.
For some, their stay in Chad thus appears to be a stepping stone enabling them to work, save money or support relatives back home. The survey shows, however, that this quest for income can also be associated with forms of dependency.
Working Conditions Below Expectations
A third of the migrants surveyed reported having been compelled or forced to work in Faya or Kalait. Of these, 53 per cent blame the lack of other employment opportunities, 14 per cent cite the need to repay debts while 6 per cent point to pressure from employers. Furthermore, 71 per cent claim that the working conditions they encountered were different from the information they had been given before their departure.
Indebtedness is another source of vulnerability. 14 per cent of those interviewed had taken on debt to finance their migration. Of these, 5 per cent stated that repayment must be made in the form of labour. The report notes that such situations may be signs of a risk of exploitation or trafficking when indebtedness leads a migrant to accept unexpected or difficult-to-escape working conditions. The use of people-smugglers concerned a minority of those surveyed: 120 out of 1,604, or 7 per cent. However, amongst the migrants concerned, 58 per cent stated that they still owed money to their people-smuggler. The report points out that the small number of people who have used these services also calls for a cautious interpretation of the analyses devoted to them.
In both cities, security issues were also cited as the main problem by 43 per cent of migrants, followed by language barriers (42 per cent) and physical violence (25 per cent). Access to healthcare also remains challenging. 57 per cent of men and 47 per cent of women reported difficulties in accessing healthcare services. The issue of identity documents is another factor contributing to vulnerability. Half of the migrants surveyed do not possess any. Of these, 48 per cent say they have lost them and 41 per cent say they have never possessed any. In 3 per cent of cases, the documents are reported to have been withheld by a third party or a people smuggler.
Mobility Beyond Faya and Kalait
Staying in these two towns does not necessarily mean settling there permanently. Six out of ten migrants plan to leave their place of residence within twelve months of the survey. Of these, 57 per cent wish to move to another country, with Libya being cited by 56 per cent of those considering this option. At the same time, 26 per cent are planning to return to their country or their usual place of residence. These figures show that migration pathways evolve in line with economic opportunities, constraints and individual plans. The report also highlights that some migrants may seek to work and save money before continuing their travels or returning home.
Using Faya and Kalait as case studies, the report highlights a situation in northern Chad where labour migration, transit mobility and conflict-related displacement intersect. Above all, it highlights the challenge of protecting migrants.
In this regard, the IOM calls for strengthening opportunities for safe migration and assistance to migrants in transit or who have recently arrived; facilitating their access to services and documents; supporting their socio-economic integration; and fostering formal employment and vocational training, with specific attention to the economic inclusion of women.
