Voluntary Return

  

***Voluntary Return Freephone *** 1800 406 406

IOM Ireland provide a Voluntary Return programme that is open to migrants from non-EEA countries, who wish to return home voluntarily but do not have the means, including the necessary documentation, to do so. IOM Ireland can assist with obtaining the necessary travel documentation, as well as covering the financial costs of the travel from Ireland to the country of origin. In addition, a small reintegration grant is available to all returnees to help cover the costs of an income generating activity, such as education; professional training and/or business set-up.

www.ireland.iom.int

Freephone 1800 406 406 

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Who can apply for the Voluntary Assisted Return Programme?

IOM offers assistance to asylum seekers and other non-EEA migrants who want to return permanently to their country of origin but do not have the means and/ or travel documentation to do so.

What are the benefits of the programme?

The objective of the Voluntary Assisted Return Programme is to help individuals to return to their home country in an orderly and dignified way. When they are assisted by IOM, they travel in the same way as any other passenger. The reasons for their stay in Ireland and their return will remain confidential and will not be shared with anybody outside of the voluntary return process.

Does voluntary return affect a future possibility to re-enter the country  legally?

If they return voluntarily before a deportation order is made and they have no outstanding criminal court proceedings in Ireland, they may apply to re-enter Ireland legally for the purpose of work, study, etc.

Will their passport or travel documents be stamped by an Irish Immigration Officer?

If they return through IOM's programme, their passport will not be stamped when leaving Ireland.

What is the procedure?

First, they fill in the application form and sign a declaration of voluntary return.

  • When IOM receive their application, they will send the details to the Department of Justice and Equality and tell them that they have applied to return under the Voluntary Assisted Return Programme.
  • The Department of Justice and Equality will need to approve every applicant who applies for return under the programme.
  • If their application has been approved, and they do not hold a valid Travel Document issued by their country of origin, IOM shall assist, where possible, in obtaining the necessary documentation to facilitate their return journey.
  • IOM will then discuss with them suitable dates on which they would wish to travel and make the necessary travel arrangements. IOM does not provide a service at weekends, therefore travel dates must be weekdays.  Bearing in mind that IOM assists many returnees per week, their return must fit in with the IOM schedule. IOM will strive to meet the timeframe they propose, however this may not always be possible.
  • IOM will then provisionally book a ticket for their travel and arrange any transit visas for the countries they travel through, if necessary.
  • IOM will meet them at the airport of departure in Ireland and assist them in departing.
  • IOM can also arrange assistance in transit and on arrival in their home country if requested.

If they apply for return under the VARP, how does it affect their asylum application?

VARP is funded by the Department of Justice and Equality, which decides whether a VARP applicant is suitable for return under the programme.

If a VARP applicant decides that they want to return they will have to withdraw their asylum claim prior to applying for Voluntary Return in order for the Department of Justice and Equality to consider their application. They will also be requested to sign a declaration of voluntary return, which safeguards the voluntary nature of their return.

If they change their mind about leaving Ireland at any stage before their departure, and they would like to re-enter the asylum system, they should seek legal advice about options available to them. 

What happens when they arrive in their country of origin?

If they need assistance from IOM at the airport in their country of origin, IOM can arrange this. In some countries IOM has no representation; therefore airport arrival assistance may not be possible. If it is a long distance from the airport to their final destination, the local IOM office can provide them with tickets for their onward journey.

How much luggage can they bring?

That depends on the airline they travel with. The average luggage allowance is 20kg. If they bring more they will have to pay. Excess luggage is very expensive. IOM is not responsible for, and will not pay for any excess luggage. If they miss their flight because of excess luggage issues, IOM will most likely NOT be in a position to purchase a second flight ticket for them.

IOM suggest that they organise a cargo shipment of their excess luggage well in advance as it is much cheaper. Airlines will not accept any item of luggage that weighs more than 32 kg per adult.  IOM will inform them in advance of their travel of what their exact luggage allowance will be. For some destinations it is possible to have a slightly higher baggage allowance.

How long will it take to organise their return travel?

IOM always aims to meet the needs of returnees and to find the most appropriate routes of return. On average the timeframe for the return is 3-6 weeks. It is dependent on various factors such as Department of Justice and Equality approval, availability of commercial flights, obtaining documentation, and any special needs to be taken into consideration for the return travel.

For more info, and to download an application form (Available in 8 languages) please visit IOM's website here