6 February 2020

Announcement

“The implementation of assisted voluntary returns including reintegration measures and operation of Open Center in the Prefecture of Attica for applicants of voluntary return” (AVRR/OCAVRR)

Taking under consideration the recent interest of the Media regarding the Assisted Voluntary Returns and Reintegration Programme (AVRR) implemented by IOM in collaboration with the Greek Authorities, IOM would like to clarify the below:

The current three-year-project on AVRR commenced its implementation in September 2019 and it is scheduled to be completed on 31 August 2022. The project foresees the voluntary return of 16,500 third-country nationals residing in Greece to their countries of origin.

The programme offers pre-departure counselling as well as support on the issuing of travel documents; supports financially the travel to the country of origin and provides assistance in transit and upon final destination to ensure safe, orderly and dignified returns.

To further contribute to the facilitation of the safe and sustainable return of the third-country nationals, migrants who meet specific conditions can also be provided with in-kind reintegration assistance in the country of origin. On average, those who qualify to return with the AVRR support, receive a one-time cash grant of 370 euros to cover the initial basic expenditures in the country of origin, while the value of the in-kind reintegration support amounts to 1,500 euros.

ΙΟΜ in Greece has been implementing Assisted Voluntary Returns and Reintegration (AVRR) projects since 2010, assisting more than 45,000 third-country nationals to voluntarily return to their country of origin. The project “The implementation of assisted voluntary returns including reintegration measures and operation of Open Center in the Prefecture of Attica for applicants of voluntary return (AVRR/OCAVRR)” is co-funded 75% by European Funds (Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund) and 25% by National Funds.

Announcement