New data demonstrates a 60% surge in the number of migrants, encompassing asylum seekers, seeking assistance to return to their homelands, since last year. This information was provided by the Dublin branch of the International Office of Migration (IOM), an agency of the United Nations that aids migrants in their return to their native countries. By the end of May, the IOM aided 91 migrants (an average of 18 every month) in their exit from Ireland. This is in contrast to the total of 140 (around 11 per month) for the entirety of 2023. A representative for the IOM attributed this rise to a variety of factors, including healthcare worries, familial matters, and housing issues. The IOM, under the backing of the government, organises its Assisted Voluntary Returns and Reintegration Programme (AVRR) for migrants. Those who benefit from the programme include both regular and irregular migrants, individuals seeking international protection, and those with expired visas such as tourists or workers. The representative stated, “The increase from previous years is significant. Last year, we provided assistance to 140 people; however, in this year alone we’ve already assisted 91. Those seeking international protection are part of this number. In this year, we’ve facilitated the return of migrants to 18 different homelands, notably Brazil, South Africa, Georgia, and El Salvador.” Breakdown of the beneficiaries was also given: 37% were single males, 14% were single females, and 47% were individuals within family units. Registered migrants on the voluntary AVRR programme have the option to alter their decision and abort their application at any given point. The representative added, “The primary aim of the programme is to support migrants wishing to willingly return to their home countries, and to do so with dignity and in a safe manner. The IOM acknowledges the complexities faced by migrants and aims to ensure constant security and support throughout the entire duration of their return journey.”
After an individual enrolls in the programme, an assessment of their vulnerability is performed by the IOM, in tandem with coordinating all travel aspects. This encompasses ticket reservations, formulating travel papers and overseeing both transition and arrival assistance. Throughout these proceedings, IOM keeps close tabs by liaising with its agents stationed in transit nations to secure the safety and respectful journey for those returning. Should any returnee need medical help, IOM is ready to coordinate medical escort services.
In home countries, assistance extends to aid with customs and immigration once they land, organizing help for post-arrival receptions and furthering travel arrangements to their ultimate destination. When they are back in their homeland, IOM offers support for reintegration, which may be in forms of in-kind contributions, for instance, facilitating business formation, provision of professional training and higher education, which ensures that returnees have a sustainable way of life.