WELDO Launches UK Home Office Returns Reintegration Programme (HORRP) in Pakistan
Islamabad: — Deputy British High Commissioner Matt Cannell has emphasized the importance of tackling irregular migration while ensuring that returnees are treated with dignity, respect, and support upon their return.
Speaking at a key event , Cannell lauded the collaboration with Pakistani organization WELDO, which is spearheading reintegration efforts under the UK’s *Home Office Returns and Reintegration Plan (HORRP).
Highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations—anchored in a diaspora of 1.6 million people of Pakistani heritage and bilateral trade worth £4.8 billion—Cannell noted, “Our partnership is unique, built on shared values, economic cooperation, and mutual interest in areas like climate change and gender equality. Migration, too, is a part of that story—bringing both opportunities and challenges.”
The UK values its strong partnership with Pakistan, recognizing the benefits of migration while also addressing the challenges of irregular migration. The UK is committed to working with Pakistan and organizations like Weldo to ensure safe, dignified, and supported returns for individuals who are not staying in the UK through legitimate means, focusing on reintegration and future development opportunities for returnees. Collaboration with various sectors, including aviation, is crucial in addressing these issues.
WELDO formally launched the Home Office Returns Reintegration Programme (HORRP) in a high-level event held in Islamabad, bringing together senior officials from the British High Commission, Pakistan government, foreign missions and INGOs.
The HORRP programme—commissioned by the UK Home Office and implemented by WELDO from 2025 to 2028—will provide comprehensive returns and reintegration support to Pakistani nationals returning from the United Kingdom. The support includes assistance with airport reception, onward travel, livelihood and business setup, job placement, housing, skills development, legal support, and mental health services.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Iram Masud, CEO of WELDO, emphasized the importance of dignified and sustainable reintegration:
“Reintegration is not a checklist—it is a process that demands empathy, structure, and long-term commitment. WELDO brings 15 years of experience to this mission, and we are proud to be a trusted partner of the UK Home Office.”
The Deputy High Commissioner of the British High Commission, Honorable Mr. Matt Cannel, and Mr. David Barlow, Returns & Reintegration Manager, also delivered remarks, reaffirming the UK government’s commitment to supporting voluntary and humane return processes.
David Barlow, Returns and Reintegration Manager at the British High Commission, echoed this sentiment in his keynote address, stating that the UK’s position is clear: “Returns must be respectful and dignified. Reintegration is not just about going home—it’s about rebuilding lives.”
A short documentary screened at the event showcased moving stories of returnees, including Raja Khizar Hayat, a former tractor mechanic who was duped by an agent and lost his livelihood trying to go abroad illegally. With WELDO’s help, he now runs a small but growing cattle business with his wife. “This support gave me back my dignity,” he said.
Another returnee cautioned others against illegal immigration, calling it a “painful mistake” and urging people to choose legal routes.
FIA Deputy Director Qamar Zaman concluded the event by reaffirming FIA’s role in managing legal border crossings and tackling human smuggling, while also praising the cooperation with WELDO: “Managing dignified returns is not just a policy—it is a profound human service.”
The UK’s HORRP, active in 12 countries, represents a humanitarian approach to migration management. With further plans for collaboration in the coming years, both the UK and Pakistan appear committed to not just managing migration—but doing so with humanity at its core.
The launch featured the screening of a powerful documentary showcasing the journey of a returnee, followed by firsthand accounts from returnees supported by WELDO. Representatives from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Airport Security Force, Pakistan Airport Authorities (PAA) and related bodies were also present, recognizing WELDO’s strong operational partnerships across major international airports in Pakistan.
WELDO’s multilingual reintegration team, trained in handling sensitive return cases, will ensure that every returnee under HORRP receives tailored support that promotes independence, stability, and dignity.