Return - IOM Publications - International Organization for Migration

Return Migration: Policies and Practices
Post-arrival assistance: Reception and onward transportation as appropriate; information/
referral services; various forms of reintegration assistance; monitoring and follow up
evaluation.
Others: Gathering and provision of return-related information; management of the Reintegration
Fund, which provides financial support for activities that would benefit the returnees.
The budget for VARRP in 2003 was estimated at nearly GBP 4.8 million, funded by the Home
Office and the European Refugee Fund. Since the pilot programme started in late 1999, nearly
4,000 migrants have been assisted in returning to some 70 countries.
Variants of the VARRP programme have also been recently implemented in order to encourage
the return of specific nationalities. These include the Voluntary Return to Afghanistan Programme
(VRAP) for Afghan nationals who wish to return.
Return to Afghanistan Programme (RAP)
Under this programme, the British government offers a resettlement grant to certain categories
of Afghan nationals. The grant entitles eligible individuals to a total of GBP 600, and up to a
maximum of GBP 2,500 per family to reintegrate into their local community.
Qualifying Criteria
Afghan nationals who, as of 20 August, 2002:
Had made an asylum claim and are currently awaiting a decision;
Had had an asylum application refused but were appealing, including those appealing a
refusal of their application for extension of their Exceptional Leave to Remain/Enter
(ELR/E), or appealing on human rights grounds;
Have been granted Exceptional Leave to Remain/Enter.
RAP is not open to Afghan nationals who:
Have had their applications for asylum refused, and have exhausted all rights of appeal, with
no leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom;
Have withdrawn their asylum application;
Have been convicted in the UK of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment of at
least two years.
Those who do not qualify for RAP may apply for return and reintegration assistance through
VARRP.
Programme Services
Pre-departure assistance: information dissemination and counselling in cooperation with partner
agencies; travel arrangements, coordination with origin country missions.
Transport assistance: departure assistance, transit assistance.
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