Return - IOM Publications - International Organization for Migration

Return Migration: Policies and Practices
Operational Procedures for Voluntary Return
The Slovak Ministry of Interior informs IOM of unsuccessful asylum seekers whose application
for refugee status has been rejected by the competent authorities, and where the asylum proceedings
have been terminated.
In the case of irregular migrants, the Ministry informs IOM of the migrants who need proper
documents, transportation and other return assistance.
The Ministry allows IOM to contact potential returnees and inform them of the existence of
voluntary return assistance programmes.
Using information from the Slovak authorities, the IOM office contacts potential returnees to
assess whether they would like to return voluntarily. Personal data is registered and voluntary
return declaration forms are filled by those seeking voluntary return. Language assistance is
provided, where needed.
For those who decide to return voluntarily, IOM prepares the relevant travel documentation, and
makes transport arrangements. IOM arranges travel tickets, the necessary transit procedures and
other logistics for the return. The authorities of the Slovak detention centre or asylum facilities
direct the returnee to the point of departure in the country. IOM staff then accompany the
migrants through check-in and exit control areas to the gate of departure. As needed, a returning
migrant can be provided with pocket money of maximum US$ 60 for pre-departure preparation
and use on the journey.
Assisted voluntary return is usually arranged for those willing to return within 30 days from the
day of request by the authorities.
Cost of Assisted Voluntary Return
According to the agreement between the Ministry of Interior and IOM, the Ministry reimburses
IOM the cost relating to each successful voluntary return. The reimbursement occurs within 60
days of the departure of the returnee.
In 2000, the total cost of the assisted voluntary return programme was EUR 2,690; in 2001 it was
EUR 14,124; in 2002 EUR 21,700; and in 2003 more than EUR 40,000.
There are cases where migrants agree to return voluntarily, and IOM commences the travel
arrangement, but the applicants disappear before the actual departure.
Voluntary Return Programmes and Activities by IOM
The assisted voluntary return activities of IOM in Slovakia deal with the actual return and
related activities, such as preparing travel documents, arranging tickets and ground service, etc.
At this stage, the return programmes do not cover post arrival reintegration assistance. IOM has
been working with assisted voluntary programmes in Slovakia since 1996.
The main cooperation partners for IOM are the Migration Office in the Ministry of Interior and
Border and Aliens Police offices. IOM staff visit the asylum facilities and disseminate informa-
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