Return - IOM Publications - International Organization for Migration

Return Migration: Policies and Practices
Effective cooperation between IOM Helsinki and the local IOM office in the country or area
of return is essential;
Finding NGO partners in the country of return is important;
Creating networks around the return migrant, consisting of different kinds of organizations;
Co-funding in EU projects should be planned well in advance with the Nordic governments
due to their slow and consensus-based decision making process;
Creating networks around the return migrant, consisting of different kinds of organizations is
important to encourage and facilitate AVRs;
The formulation of return projects is made easier when the numbers and needs of returnees
have been surveyed.
Cost Effectiveness Analysis
IOM’s voluntary return programme is extremely cost-effective when compared to forced deportation
proceedings. Significant cost savings e.g. in social security paid out, travel/escort
expenses can also accrue. In the case of AVR assistance to Iraq, per capita costs have been
calculated at approximately US$ 1,200 – these exclude reintegration grants or cargo, which are
not applicable in the case of Sweden.
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