User:Sammicams/sandbox

Voluntary Return

Support offered[edit]
The UNHCR and the IOM offer assistance to refugees who want to return voluntarily and to other people in need of support for returning to their home countries. This includes administrative, logistical, financial and reintegration support. Many developed countries also provide assistance and voluntary return programmes independent from the IOM and the UNHCR. Support includes making travel arrangements and paying for the journey. Support may also include financial support so that returnees can make sustainable investments and can build their lives again. Connecting people with networks and groups in the country of origin so that they will get support from local organisations.[citation needed]

~My contribution

'''When one takes part in assisted voluntary return programs (AVR), the applicant is giving up their claim as a refugee or asylum-seeker. Many times this includes a five year travel ban restricting the individual from returning to the host country, similar to deportation. According to interviews with IOM workers and files on return migrants who took part in their program, it is not uncommon for return migrants to feel pressured into applying to AVR programs due to financial hardships, lack of employment, fear of deportation, etc. .'''

Programs offered

Belgium


 * Return and Emigration of Asylum Seekers Ex Belgium programme: This program is open to asylum seekers and third country nationals who want to return to their country of origin or to voluntarily emigrate to a third world country. As this program is voluntary, one can retract their application if ever they change their mind. Applicants are offered travel support, including counselling prior to departure, assistance during their flight and travel cost. Applicants are also offered some monetary compensation to get them to their home from the airport. Financial support is also offered to aid in the reintegration process, partially funded by the European Return Fund .

United Kingdom


 * Assisted Voluntary Return for Families and Children: This program is open to non-European people with children and lone migrant children. They are given a cash grant of ₤500 to relocate and ₤2,000 to reintegrate to their communities per person . One can apply to this scheme before their asylum claim has been rejected .
 * Assisted Voluntary Return of Irregular Migrants: This program provides help to illegal immigrants and immigrants who have overstayed to return to their country of origin. They are not offered monetary assistance .
 * Facilitated Returns Scheme: This aids foreign national prisoners, once they have completed their sentence they are given ₤500 cash and a reintegration package of ₤3,000. If they leave before the end of their sentence they can receive  up to ₤2,000 more .
 * Positive Futures Project: This project is offered to young unaccompanied adults. After applying to an assisted voluntary return program, they can receive training to develop skills and gain additional education to help them build a home and have a career in the country they are returning to .
 * Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme: One can receive maximum ₤1,500 per person relocating to their home country. This program aids applicants with travel documents and booking flight .

Work Cited