UAE Hosts 17,619 Afghan Evacuees Prior To Their Resettlement In Third Countries
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has shown a strong humanitarian commitment by hosting 17,619 Afghans evacuated since August 2021. This initiative was in collaboration with international partners to support Afghanistan during its crisis. The evacuees were accommodated at the Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi before moving to 21 different countries.
The UAE's efforts extended beyond hosting, as they facilitated the evacuation of 41,000 people from Afghanistan. This included Afghan citizens and foreign nationals residing there. The UAE responded to requests from friendly nations to assist in evacuating their citizens and ensuring their safe return home.
During their stay, the UAE provided essential services such as healthcare, shelter, food, and communication facilities. Financial assistance was also given to help families rebuild their lives in new destinations. The total cost of hosting amounted to AED 1.384 billion (USD 367 million), ensuring dignified temporary accommodation for all evacuees.
Healthcare services were a priority, with over 254,572 medical services provided during their stay. The UAE administered 34,923 vaccines and offered comprehensive healthcare to more than 303 newborns. Additionally, over 303 surgeries were performed, including three critical cases treated abroad.
The UAE prioritised education and vocational training for Afghan evacuees. More than 3,764 Afghans received education, including around 800 children enrolled in nurseries with school transportation. Authorities organised over 39 educational courses and vocational workshops benefiting 2,589 individuals.
Emirates Humanitarian City offered various facilities like outdoor courtyards and playgrounds for children, women, and the elderly. A preventive healthcare centre was also available. Residents had access to essential supplies such as medicine and food, reflecting Emirati values of generosity and care.
UAE's Ongoing Humanitarian Efforts
The UAE is a leading donor country to Afghanistan, providing AED 740 million in aid over the past three years alone. This includes an air bridge delivering hundreds of tonnes of relief supplies benefiting over one million people. Medical assistance during COVID-19 included opening ten maternity centres across seven provinces.
The UAE's humanitarian actions are rooted in values of peace and tolerance. Since its founding, the country has prioritised human dignity regardless of ethnic or religious backgrounds. These principles have made the UAE a global symbol of generosity and giving.
The Emirates Humanitarian City played a crucial role in facilitating resettlement processes for Afghan evacuees. It housed offices for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), along with two international NGO offices.
With inputs from WAM
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