Return - IOM Publications - International Organization for Migration

363
SWEDEN
In 2002, 116 people applied for travel grants and cash support; 80 of these received grants. The
largest group came from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The target groups for return projects in 2002 were largely: nationals from Bosnia and Herzegovina
(15 projects), Somalia (12 projects), the Sudan (one project), Eritrea (one project) and Serbia
and Montenegro (one project).
In addition to programmes for assisted return, reconnaissance journeys to the country of origin
have been explored to allow individuals to understand the current situation in their country of
origin. Eight such journeys have been conducted to Somalia, two to Bosnia and Herzegovina,
one to the Sudan and one to Eritrea. The purpose of these journeys has, among others, been to
gather facts about security, property, health, schools, the situation for old people, situation for
women, opportunities for work, etc. Following the journey, factual material has been disseminated
to the relevant immigrant communities, organizations and municipalities.
IOM-Implemented AVRs
IOM’s current AVR activities in Sweden are limited, because the Migration Board implements
the majority of voluntary returns of asylum seekers. The Board usually asks for IOM’s assistance
in difficult cases or with specific target groups (most recently with returns to Iraq).
In addition, IOM together with the Swedish Migration Board processes AVR applications from
asylum seekers and rejected asylum seekers on an ad hoc basis.
Voluntary Return and Reintegration of Elderly Bosnian Nationals from the Nordic Countries
Programme Services
TABLE 1
VOLUNTARY RETURN AND REINTEGRATION
OF ELDERLY BOSNIAN NATIONALS FROM THE NORDIC COUNTRIES
Eligible Beneficiaries: • Applicants must be willing to return to their place of
origin (for purposes of registration and social
assistance);
• Applicants must be eligible for pension benefits in
their place of return;
• Applicants must have permanent accommodation
in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• For returnees with special medical needs, the
necessary medical services have to be available
and accessible in the country of return.
Funding Source: Governments of Denmark, Norway, Sweden
Assistance to Date: Since the programme began in April 2000,
174 returnees received medical and housing
assistance, of which 60 were former Swedish
residents.