US aid freeze spurs big job cuts at UN migration, refugee agencies

The US decision to freeze foreign aid funding forces UN agencies like IOM and UNHCR to lay off thousands, affecting refugee resettlement. Over 3,000 IOM staff tied to the US programme are losing jobs, with UNHCR cutting 600 positions. The largest donor’s funding pause prompts life-saving work prioritization, halting many refugee-entry activities. The US decision to freeze foreign aid funding forces UN agencies like IOM and UNHCR to lay off thousands, affecting refugee resettlement. Over 3,000 IOM staff tied to the US programme are losing jobs, with UNHCR cutting 600 positions. The largest donor’s funding pause prompts life-saving work prioritization, halting many refugee-entry activities.  Economic Times