1/ What is the "voluntary return" program of the UN Migration Agency (IOM)?

The Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programs aim "to support migrants who are unable or unwilling to remain in host or transit countries and wish to return to their countries of origin," the IOM states on its website.

Migrants who want to return home can call the UN agency to help them with their efforts. Vulnerable people are given priority in the order of requests they receive.

2/ How does one contact the IOM?

To benefit from the AVRR program, you must contact the IOM branch in the country where you are located. "Requests for voluntary return are received directly by IOM offices in person, by phone or online. Migrants wishing to return home are also identified during the various IOM field activities in the regions of the country," the agency told InfoMigrants.

For example: if you are in Libya, you can reach IOM at 00218 91 00 11 491. If you are in Tunis, you can reach them at 00216 80 10 15 66, if you are in Zarzis or Sfax (Tunisia), you can call 00216 80 10 55 61.

If no one answers your call, you can leave a message on the answering machine – in the language of your choice. Give your name, nationality and a telephone number on which IOM teams will call you back.

IOM teams will interview you to understand your case and best organize your return.

The IOM says the average waiting period between the request and the return home is between 20 and 90 days.

If you change your mind and no longer wish to return home, you can do so up until the day of departure.

3/ How does the procedure work?

The voluntary return and reintegration procedure happens in three stages.

• Pre-departure phase: this includes awareness-raising activities, advice and a vulnerability assessment that triggers social assistance (emergency accommodation, food, non-food items, etc.), as well as legal, medical and psychosocial assistance.

"During this detailed interview, the IOM also ensures that a dignified and safe return is feasible in coordination with the teams present in the countries of origin and following a due diligence procedure," the agency explained to InfoMigrants. If your integrity is threatened in the event of a return to the country, or if there are risks to your life, the IOM will not organize a voluntary return.

• Travel arrangements: the IOM takes care of booking plane tickets, accompanying the most vulnerable to their country of origin, and preparing travel documents with embassies.
• Reception upon arrival: the agency provides assistance including transportation to the final destination, help with accommodation if necessary, medical monitoring and reintegration support. If you present a reliable project, IOM can help you financially to implement it. UN teams provide follow-up for one year for those benefiting from this reintegration assistance.

"Reintegration assistance can, for example, include income-generating activities, training, access to basic services or support for re-establishing links with the community.

"In addition, IOM promotes links between migrant reintegration and sustainable development in order to foster acceptance and integration into society," the agency said.

While these procedures are well-established, accessing assistance can be difficult. InfoMigrants has learned of applicants who have waited many months before receiving financial assistance under the IOM reintegration program.