Project Promoter: International Organization of Migration (IOM)
Outcome: Orderly and humane voluntary return of migrants or vulnerable groups is secured
Project grant rate: 100%
Maximum project grant amount: € 1.000.000
Duration: July 2022 – June 2023
The IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) project aimed to support the voluntary return of migrants in vulnerable situations, ensuring safe travel and sustainable reintegration in their countries of origin. During the project, 229 beneficiaries (53 men, 114 women, 38 girls, and 24 boys) received assistance for their dignified return, while 221 beneficiaries (49 men, 110 women, 38 girls, and 24 boys) received reintegration support. Beneficiaries traveled via commercial flights to their home countries, including Bangladesh, Egypt, Georgia, India, Iraq, Lebanon, Moldova, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal, and Russia. Among them, 196 were identified as vulnerable migrants, while 33 traveled as part of family units.
Pre-departure support:
IOM provided individualized return counseling to inform migrants of their legal options, rights, and available support. During these sessions, demographic data and vulnerability assessments were collected to tailor assistance, including medical and protection services. Prior to departure, a Pre-Embarkation Check (PEC) was conducted 24-72 hours before leaving Greece. A final pre-departure meeting provided logistical details, and IOM staff assisted with boarding procedures while distributing a one-time cash allowance of EUR 1,000 per beneficiary.
Post-arrival & reintegration:
Upon arrival, IOM offices at transit and destination points facilitated the return process. Reintegration support was provided in alignment with pre-departure counseling and included vocational training, microbusiness assistance, medical aid, and temporary accommodation. Most returnees went to Georgia, where reintegration assistance was offered.
Reintegration is a complex process influenced by local conditions, personal skills, and vulnerabilities. Many beneficiaries required additional time to re-adapt to their home environments before initiating their reintegration plans. Geographic constraints, health issues, and administrative barriers often delayed engagement with IOM offices. Due to these challenges, the time required to launch and complete reintegration efforts varied significantly.
Key achievements:
– 99% of beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with pre-departure counseling, and 100% approved of travel arrangements.
– 221 returnees accessed reintegration support tailored to economic, social, and psychological needs.
In conclusion, the project successfully ensured dignified voluntary returns and short-term reintegration support. However, systemic gaps in qualitative data collection limited insights into long-term reintegration outcomes. Additionally, the lack of dedicated follow-up evaluations restricted the assessment of reintegration sustainability. Addressing systemic challenges, improving data collection, and enhancing follow-up mechanisms will be crucial for strengthening future reintegration efforts.
