Assisted Voluntary Return Programs
In the last ten years, the Assisted Voluntary Return Programs (AVRR) have helped more than 40.000 migrants return to their home countries with safety and dignity
What is AVRR (Assisted Voluntary Return Programs)
The current two-year AVRR program (Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration) funded by the European Union was launched in September 2019. It is expected to be concluded in August 31, 2021 with the completed voluntary returns of 12,800 third world nationals from Greece to their home countries. It is estimated that 5,000 foreign nationals that live in Chios, Kos, Leros, Samos and Lesvos will benefit from the program. The program offers counseling before departure as well as support for preparation of travel documents. It assists beneficiaries in their return trip arrangements as well as the successful reintegration into their home countries.
What does the AVRR program offer
Those who meet the requirements to participate in the program receive financial aid for their essential needs in the form of a one-off allowance of 500 Euros. Especially, those that reside in Chios, Kos, Leros, Samos and Lesvos and have entered the country before 21/12/2019 receive a one-off allowance of 2,000 Euros.
Those that also participate in the reintegration initiative of the program additionally receive material support of 1,500 Euros worth.
The Programs of International Organization for Migration – IOM Greece
The International Organization of Migration (IOM) implements Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration programs in Greece since 2010, having assisted more than 45,000 nationals from third world countries to voluntary return to their home countries. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the funds of the program originate from European funds (the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund or AMIF) and 25% from national funds. The program provides reintegration support in the following forms:
- Temporary accommodation,
- Professional training programs
- Assistance in finding employment
- Support in independent professional initiatives such as opening one’s own business
- Purchase of material goods and
- Psychological counseling that caters to individual needs
Reintegration plans are designed according to the unique needs of each beneficiary in order to help each beneficiary attain financial independence, develop his/her skills and be successful in the professional market according to the opportunities and potential restrictions of the home country. An important success factor of the program is the Open Centre for Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (OCAVRR). The Open Center located near the Athens downtown is the only such facility that exists in Europe. It offers accommodation and essential services to migrants who have no place to stay until their departure. The Center offers to migrants a safe environment to stay, meals, cleaning services, medical assistance and psychological support. The Open Center hosts vulnerable migrants, such as pregnant women, single parent families, migrants with medical needs, elderly migrants and migrants who are homeless.
