IOM in the UK

IOM UK runs two voluntary return programmes: one is for anyone who has been in the asylum system at any stage - applying, appealing, refused – (VARRP); another for irregular migrants – who have overstayed their visas or have been smuggled or trafficked into the country (AVRIM).

Under both programmes IOM arranges flights and onward transportation to the home doorstep but under the scheme for asylum seekers IOM also delivers Reintegration Assistance in the country of return. Apart from a relocation grant given to each individual returnee at the airport of departure this assistance is not delivered in cash but in kind, according to an ‘IRP' (Individual Return Plan) tailored to meet the needs of each returnee. Targeted payments can be made towards a range of things including: payment of fees for vocational training courses at colleges, for higher education, or for children's schooling; a three month salary supplement for a job placement; short-term accommodation; an extra baggage allowance; or to help buy equipment and supplies to set up a small business. The aim of this assistance is to contribute to a more ‘sustainable return.'

Since 1999 IOM UK has assisted more than 27,000 people to return to some 130 countries.

IOM UK 's main office is in London with staff who, between them, speak over 30 different languages. No appointment is necessary to visit this office 10am-1pm and 2pm-4:30pm, Monday to Friday. We also have branch offices in Birmingham , Bristol , Glasgow , Leeds and Liverpool . All enquiries to IOM are treated confidentially and there is no need for anyone to give their name in order to receive free advice.

Quality Control: As long as we are given all relevant details we rigorously investigate any problem or concern related to an individual's voluntary return.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------IOM Worldwide

IOM is the world's leading independent migration agency. Since its foundation in 1951 it has helped over 13 million migrants, in the belief that migration – if dignified, orderly and voluntary – is of benefit to the individuals concerned and society as a whole.

With 122 member states, a further 18 states holding observer status and offices in over 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.

The IOM Constitution recognizes the link between migration and economic, social and cultural development, as well as to the right of freedom of movement.

IOM works in the four broad areas of migration management:

• Migration and development
• Facilitating migration
• Regulating migration
• Forced migration.

IOM activities that cut across these areas include the promotion of international migration law, policy debate and guidance, protection of migrants' rights, migration health and the gender dimension of migration.

The full range of IOM activities worldwide are available at: www.iom.int