From 31 March 2011, IOM will no longer be the implementing partner for the UK Government on three major Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programmes: VARRP (Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme), AVRIM (Assisted Voluntary Return for Irregular Migrants) and AVRFC (Assisted Voluntary Return for Families and Children).

Refugee Action - a UK NGO - will be responsible for these programmes from the 1st of April 2011.   For more details please see RA web-page: http://www.refugee-action.org.uk/ourwork/assistedvoluntaryreturn.aspx

Since 1999 IOM UK has assisted more than 39,000 people to return home to 150 countries around the world in an orderly and dignified manner, and in the majority of cases with post-arrival and comprehensive reintegration assistance to contribute to their sustainable return. We would like to express our gratitude for the support we have received over the last decade from the UK Government, diaspora community groups and NGOs working with IOM UK and IOM overseas in the development, implementation and monitoring of AVRs.

While IOM will no longer be responsible for these three programmes, we look forward to continuing our support to the UK government in delivering migration-related programmes and activities.

Note to AVR applicants: All IOM UK offices will continue to accept applications until 31st March 2011, and assist departures up to and including that date. Refugee Action will be responsible for making travel arrangements for any applicants who have applied but not travelled before 31st March. Anyone who has departed before 31st March will continue to receive their Reintegration Assistance in their country of return from IOM.