For Asylum Seekers: IOM launches new approach to Voluntary Return
13/05/2008
Individual Return Plan
“‘What will happen when I step off the `plane?’ …..is the question most people think about when they consider a voluntary return to their home country. Since 1999 IOM UK has helped more than 24,000 people to return voluntarily to 130 countries and assisted many of them to reintegrate. But the assistance was not as ‘personalised’ as we would have liked. With the launch of our new approach today we will be able to make a greater contribution towards re-establishing a livelihood back home and to easing some of the short-term problems people face immediately upon their return. We want to meet individual needs with individual solutions.
“IOM staff in the UK and in our missions around the world will take more time to ensure that everyone considering return is fully involved in the development of a detailed plan for their reintegration assistance -- an Individual or Family Return Plan --- so that the assistance which we offer is even more tailored to individual needs. We will discuss opportunities for setting up a small business, vocational training, further education, or job placement. An extra baggage allowance will be available and needs for children’s education and short-term accommodation will also be addressed.
“I would encourage anyone considering a voluntary assisted return home to come into our offices in London, Glasgow, Liverpool or Bristol to discuss what we can do for them.”
Jan de Wilde, Chief of Mission, IOM UK
Link to website: www.iomlondon.org