Athens – The International Organization for Migration and the partner Hero Norge successfully completed the project “Bilateral Cooperation Initiatives”, which sought to contribute towards enhancing the orderly and humane voluntary return of migrants, including vulnerable groups, to their countries of origin.  

The partnership was based on enhanced cooperation and knowledge-sharing between Greece and Norway. IOM organized a three-day study visit in Athens, inviting its partner Hero Norge to witness firsthand the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) operations carried out by IOM Greece and engage in meaningful consultations with Greek stakeholders, such as national authorities, AVRR Protection Team and AVRR beneficiaries. The project was sealed with an online workshop which presented the conclusions and best practices identified through joint efforts.  

“Both countries benefited from shared knowledge and practices, enhancing their capacity to manage and implement voluntary returns humanely and effectively”, said Ms. Betty Ferentinou Project Manager, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration to address emerging challenges and adapt to migration dynamics. 

During the study visit, meetings with different units of AVRR were organized to learn about the overall procedures foreseen for migrants who wish to voluntarily return to their home country. Visits to the Open Centre for migrants registered for assisted voluntary return and reintegration (OCAVRR) in Athens and to the Athens airport also took place. 

The Open Center, run by IOM Greece in collaboration with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, promotes best and innovative practices regarding the predeparture accommodation and support of returnees. 

“We believe that adopting practices learned from Greece will contribute to more dignified returns and better support to applicants in Norway,” Tellef Gonlie, Head of HR and Development at Hero Norge said.  

ΙΟΜ Greece, has been implementing AVRR projects since 2010, supporting more than 52,000 migrants to return with safety and dignity and over 10,000 migrants to successfully complete personalized reintegration plans.  

The “Bilateral Cooperation Initiatives” project was implemented by IOM under the Asylum and Migration programme of the EEA Grants.