Return - IOM Publications - International Organization for Migration

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NORWAY
There is no specific legal basis for assisted voluntary return, although Article 41 of the Immigration
Act stipulates that foreign nationals and unsuccessful asylum seekers have an obligation to
leave the country voluntarily, immediately or within the prescribed time period.
1.2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROCEDURAL ARRANGEMENTS
Institutions Responsible for Voluntary Return
Among others, the Immigration Directorate (UDI) is responsible for the administration of the
return programme for refugees and rejected asylum seekers. In this respect, the UDI cooperates
with relevant NGOs and international organizations involved in providing assistance to persons
wishing to return voluntarily to their country of origin.
IOM is one of the chief implementing organizations of assisted voluntary return programmes in
Norway. It works in cooperation with the UDI, the Police Department and a Norwegian NGO,
Norwegian People’s Aid.
Other key actors include the Norwegian Refugee Council, through its Information and Counselling
on Repatriation Project (INCOR) the Norwegian Organization for Asylum Seekers (NOAS),
the Helsinki Committee and local NGOs in the countries of return.
Operational Steps for Voluntary Return
Voluntary Assisted Return Programme (VARP)
This programme is operated by IOM in cooperation with the Norwegian People’s Aid, on behalf
of the UDI. IOM is responsible for the overall implementation of the programme, and provides
information to applicants, assists in acquiring travel documents and makes the practical travel
arrangements. The Norwegian People’s Aid is responsible for providing information about the
programme in reception centres and by operating a telephone hotline service. Information on the
programme is disseminated through brochures and the website of the government and IOM.
Applications to the programme are processed by IOM, who subsequently liaises with the UDI
and the police department to secure approvals for the returns. The police department usually
provides clearance automatically, although in exceptional cases it may reject an application. If
the decision is positive, IOM makes the preparations for return, such as: support in obtaining the
necessary travel documents and travel arrangements (tickets and transit). Where necessary, IOM
may also make arrangements for post-return assistance, especially where medical assistance is
required.
No financial assistance is provided under this programme, although a small stipend may be
awarded to cover expenses during long journeys.
Participants of the programme can travel as normal passengers without the involvement of the
police or notification of the authorities in the country of return.