Return - IOM Publications - International Organization for Migration

Return Migration: Policies and Practices
2. ASSISTED VOLUNTARY RETURN
2.1 POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND PROVISIONS
The government of Luxembourg has been organizing voluntary return on a small scale for many
years, and although there is no specific legal framework regulating voluntary return, those who
wish to do so generally receive assistance from the government, in cooperation with government
ministries, NGOs and IOM. The basic assistance offered seems to be a significant factor in the
decision of those considering returning on an individual basis.
The surge in immigration from the late 1990s onwards, resulting from an increase of asylum
seekers from the Balkan region (mainly Kosovo and Montenegro), forced the government to
adopt a comprehensive asylum policy and to explore different possibilities for offering additional
incentives to voluntary return especially to rejected asylum seekers.
In 2000 and 2001, the Ministry of Family in cooperation with the Development Department and
Caritas implemented a special return programme, which included information sessions on
reintegration possibilities in the countries of origin. Another component of this programme was
some reintegration assistance through the creation of micro-enterprises in the country of origin.
While a small number of migrants benefited from the programme, the government discontinued
it in 2002, because the impact of these activities on the number of returns was unsatisfactory.
The assistance offered by the government of Luxembourg to voluntary returnees varies according
to the time spent in Luxembourg. The minimum assistance comprises a one way-ticket on a
commercial flight to the country of origin. Financial aid is available if the residence in Luxembourg
exceeds one year, and may amount to the equivalent of three months’ financial assistance
to migrants in Luxembourg.
2.2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROCEDURAL ARRANGEMENTS
Institutions Responsible for Voluntary Return
The Ministry of Family Affairs is responsible for voluntary returns, and it is well placed to
provide this assistance, as it is also responsible for the reception of asylum seekers and therefore
has regular contact with the migrants potentially interested in voluntary returns. The Ministry of
Family Affairs is only responsible for applications and the organization of the returns, while the
Ministry of Justice liases with officials in the relevant Consulates/Embassies to arrange the
necessary travel documentation.
The Government’s Commission for Foreign Nationals has since 1972 provided assistance
towards the voluntary return of irregular migrants in a precarious financial situation. The assistance
offered to asylum seekers is, however, more comprehensive than the one-way ticket offered
to irregular migrants who wish to return home (see details below).
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