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Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration |
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IOM staff conduct pre-departure information meetings for Afghans who are
considering voluntary return to Afghanistan © IOM 2005 Raqib Wahabzada
What is AVR?
AVR stands for “Assisted Voluntary Return” and is an area of expertise that IOM has developed over more than 25 years of experience. In the last ten years around 740,000 migrants have received IOM's AVR assistance to over 160 countries. With its global network of over 255 offices in countries of origin, transit, and destination, IOM is well placed to develop and manage comprehensive approaches to voluntary return migration.
AVR is a dignified, safe, and cost-effective return option in which voluntariness is an important prerequisite. Voluntariness means that the return is based on a decision freely taken by the individual. A voluntary decision embraces two elements: freedom of choice, which is defined by the absence of any physical, psychological or material pressure; and an informed decision, which requires having enough accurate and objective information available upon which to base the decision. IOM is not involved in forced returns.
Who can apply?
Returnees assisted by IOM Helsinki, and its offices in the region, are typically asylum seekers who are still awaiting a decision or individuals who have not been granted refugee status and want to return to their country of origin. Returnees assisted by IOM will be expected to fill in an IOM voluntary return form before being assisted.
How does AVR work?
Typically, potential returnees are referred to IOM by authorities of the host country, such as the immigration service, local asylum centres, or NGOs.
The usual procedure is:
1. Obtain an IOM Assisted Voluntary Return Form.
2. Contact the rightful authority (Go to Return From.... for further information).
3. Fill in the AVR Form with personal details.
4. Obtain a counter-signature from the rightful authority
5. Send form together with a copy of travel documents to IOM.
IOM works on making travel arrangements and will inform returnee and authority on travel dates. Travel arrangements include bookings on commercial flights, transit permissions, escorts to transit points in Europe, where relevant, as well as transit and reception assistance and onward transportation services, if available.
Further information
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 20 April 2006 )
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