Return - IOM Publications - International Organization for Migration

Return Migration: Policies and Practices
2.2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROCEDURAL ARRANGEMENTS
Institutions Responsible for Voluntary Return
The Ministry of Justice usually works together with a number of governmental agencies, international
organizations and NGOs to facilitate the return of aliens. The Central Reception
Organisation for Asylum Seekers (COA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM)
are the main organizations involved in the implementation of voluntary repatriation policy.
Although principally responsible for providing reception and humanitarian assistance to asylum
seekers, the COA is also instrumental in the repatriation process through provision of financial
support towards education and business initiatives in the country of origin.
For the future, the government has decided to centralize the organization and coordination of the
return process under the Minister for Immigration and Integration, and to adopt a standardized
national approach, including linked-up information systems.
Operational Steps for Voluntary Return
The Ministry of Justice offers logistical and financial support to those who choose to return
voluntarily to their country of origin, or a third country. Repatriation assistance is available to
asylum applicants with pending cases, those in possession of a temporary residence permit, or
rejected asylum seekers who no longer have recourse to the courts.
With regard to the return itself, officials from the COA conduct interviews with potential returnees,
while return or relocation is implemented by IOM.
Programme for Reintegration or Emigration of Asylum Seekers from the Netherlands (REAN)
Eligible Beneficiaries
Asylum seekers and illegal migrants/unauthorized residents of all nationalities who wish to
return to their countries of origin but do not have the financial means, and do not have deportation
orders pending against them.
In 2003, the programme had an annual budget of EUR 5.6 million, funded by the Ministry of
Justice. Services provided by the programme include pre-departure assistance, in the form of
counselling and information dissemination in cooperation with partner agencies, and transportation
assistance such as help to obtain documentation, facilitating transportation as well as providing
transit and reintegration assistance.
The amount of financial assistance provided depends on the individual facts and circumstances
of the alien concerned. Three different categories apply with regard to the level of assistance
applicants can receive:
Applicants who did not apply for asylum or a residence permit (illegal entrants) are eligible
for the following rates: single person, a maximum of EUR 135; families with up to two chil-
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