Immigrants in DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has a small immigrant population compared to other African countries. The majority of immigrants in the DRC are from neighboring countries, including Central African Republic, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and Angola.
Many immigrants in the DRC are refugees who have fled conflict, violence, or persecution in their home countries. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that there are over 500,000 refugees and asylum-seekers in the DRC, most of whom come from Burundi, Rwanda, and the Central African Republic.
In addition to refugees, there are also migrant workers from other African countries who come to the DRC for employment opportunities. These migrant workers often work in the mining, construction, and agriculture sectors.
The DRC government has been criticized for its treatment of immigrants, particularly refugees and asylum-seekers. Reports indicate that refugees and asylum-seekers in the DRC face challenges accessing basic services like healthcare and education, and they are often subjected to arbitrary detention and deportation. Despite these challenges, many immigrants continue to make their home in the DRC, either temporarily or permanently.