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UNITED KINGDOM
IOM assesses and processes VARP applications and, on an operational level, coordinates the
whole VARP programme in the UK. It is also able to liaise with its offices around the world to
gather information and plan returns.
Refugee Action operates its service through its London offices and through officials based in
Manchester. Its role is to assess the needs of the individual and provide advice before referring
interested parties to IOM. Both Refugee Action and IOM are involved in outreach work with
potential referral agencies and local community groups.
IND organizes funding and is consulted to confirm eligibility. It also refunds travel expenses.
Operational Steps for Voluntary Returns
Voluntary Assisted Returns and Reintegration Programme (VARRP)
IOM offers assistance to asylum seekers of any nationality who want to return permanently to
their country of origin. Those wishing to participate in VARRP may approach IOM directly or
may be referred to the organization in the first instance. A VARRP application form will need to
be completed, which together with a declaration for voluntary return, will be forwarded to the
Home Office.
The Home Office decides whether a VARRP applicant is suitable for return under the programme.
If the application is approved, IOM begins pre-departure preparations such as travel and documentation
arrangements. Once travel plans have been finalized, the returning asylum seeker will
be requested to sign an asylum disclaimer at the airport, prior to departure, and thereby relinquish
any outstanding application for asylum in the United Kingdom.
The applicant may decide to discontinue participation in the voluntary return programme with
no change to his/her immigration status.
Asylum applicants whose claim falls under one of the following criteria are eligible:
Waiting for a Home Office decision;
Refused by the Home Office;
Appealing against the asylum decision;
Withdrawn the asylum application;
Given Exceptional Leave to Remain.
Special consideration is also given to vulnerable individuals such as unaccompanied minors,
unsupported young people, single women and women with families, along with those suffering
from health or disability problems.
Programme Services
Pre-departure assistance: information dissemination and counselling in cooperation with partner
agencies, travel arrangements, coordination with origin country missions.
Transportation assistance: departure assistance, transit assistance.