Debonheur made the remarks last week while addressing the youth who were attending Itorero Urunana rw’Urungano, a training that attracted youth from different walks to learn about different programmes of the country’s life.
Minister Debonheur reminded that Rwandan refugees will lose the refugee status from 1st January, 2018, a decision that will affect those who fled the country between 1959 and 1998.
She encouraged the refugees to return home and to not worry of poverty because the country supports all returnees with all means for their reintegration.
“Some fear to face challenges like poverty, hunger and insecurity among others, but contrary, all these challenges are not there. Those who return are provided with three-month meals plus $250 to old people and 150 to children per head respectively. Actually this is a good foundation for life,” she said.
She said that returnees are also provided with life skills and supported with toolkits to start leading their life.
Debonheur urged refugees with development activities in host countries to get registered with the Rwandan embassies so that they continue to operate as Rwandans living there for business purposes but not as refugees.
She tasked youth from the Diaspora to be good ambassadors who encourage Rwandans living abroad to come home.
“Try to convince fellow youth to go back to their country. I hope you are capable to do this. As you have witnessed the development in the country and other available opportunities, tell them to ignore false information they have out there,” she urged.
At least 6,000 returnees have been recorded by MIDIMAR from July to December, this year.
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