Enhancing Mechanisms and Harmonizing Standards in the Field of Voluntary Return of Irregular Migrants in EU Central European Member States (2006 - 2010)

Geographical Coverage: The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia (Romania & Bulgaria in PIII)

Duration: (Phase I: September 2006 - August 2007, Phase II: November 2007 - October 2008, Phase III: November 2008 - January 2010)

Donor: European Commission

Status: Completed

Summary: This programme responded to the identified need for an enhanced framework of integrated voluntary return assistance in the Central European region. In full partnership with the Ministries of Interior of Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia and relevant EU institutions, the programme provided technical and financial support mechanisms to enhance, strengthen, and promote Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programmes in those countries, based on common regional standards thus contributing to harmonization of procedures in line with EU policies and principles on Return, and using IOM’s developed expertise as well as identified best practices on AVR worldwide.