What does ‘voluntary return’ mean?
‘Voluntary return’ is the process or the act of individuals who are residing in a foreign country, usually as an irregular migrants or asylum seekers choosing to return to their home country by their own choice and free will, without being forced to do so.
Why return legally?
Returning legally means that you have decided voluntarily to return to you home country by following the legal procedures associated with a ‘voluntary return’.
Living as an irregular migrant can be highly uncertain, very stressful and can expose you to number of risks and unwanted dangers. (see section FAQ ‘What are the risks and dangers of irregular migration?’). Returning legally eliminates these risks and dangers on one side, and on another – ensures your safety, protection, legal rights, and future opportunities, including such for regular migration (ex. apply for visas or work permits in the future).
Many countries operate voluntary return programs through governmental agencies or international organisations. These programs provide in many cases logistical and financial support for the journey back to the home country and sometimes reintegration assistance (support with housing, employment, training, and education) in the home country.
How to return legally?
Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) is a migration management services which the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) offers to migrants and governments. The programme is conducted in close cooperation with governmental institutions and migrant communities.
International Organization for Migration is intergovernmental organisation dedicated to ensuring the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need.
The IOM offices facilitate voluntary return, and they can provide information, assistance with the application process, travel arrangements, and reintegration support.
If you are seeking to return legally and you are now on the territory of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia, you will need to contact in person the IOM office to request whether you are eligible for the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program (AVRR).
Contact numbers:
- Albania: +355 69 209 0152
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: +387 61 964 575
- Montenegro: +382 68 806 919
- North Macedonia: +389 70 393 147
- Serbia: +381 63 624 016
When reaching out, make sure that you are honest about your case and that you are providing truthful and complete information. The IOM counsellor can help you with information what your options are and how they can assist you with returning home.
You can pre-register for Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programmes by using MiRA – Migrant Registration Application service of IOM or sign up to receive up to date useful information.