Facilitating Better Understanding of Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration to Ethiopia

From 2-6 September 2024, a delegation from IOM’s mission in Ethiopia visited Norway for the fifth time as part of IOM’s ongoing programming in the country. The primary goal of their visit was to meet with migrants from Ethiopia residing in Reception Centres (RCs) across Norway who may be considering returning to their Country of Origin (CoO). During their visit, the IOM team provided Ethiopian RC residents with key information to help them make informed decisions about returning home.

Supporting Migrants' Decision to Return

The visit focused on Reception Centres (RCs) hosting larger populations of Ethiopian residents. Over the course of four days, IOM visited eight RCs located in Tingvoll, Trondheim, Setermoen, Solbakken, Bankplassen, Hå, Stord, and Ringsaker. At each centre, IOM held informative sessions with the residents. The IOM Ethiopia staff also provided individual counseling to migrants interested to receive additional information about assistance available through the Voluntary Assisted Return Programme (VARP).

Migrants considering returning to Ethiopia after an extended stay in Norway may have numerous questions and concerns. A key objective of the visit was to address these issues by providing up-to-date information on the current situation in Ethiopia and the local support available.

Engaging with Norwegian Stakeholders

Another key aspect of IOM Ethiopia’s visit was to inform staff at the Reception Centres (RCs) in Norway about the current context in Ethiopia. This helped raise awareness among Norwegian stakeholders and RC staff about the conditions migrants might face upon returning, fostering a deeper understanding and improving assistance for Ethiopian migrants.

On their last day in Norway, the staff from IOM Ethiopia also met with Norwegian stakeholders involved in migrant assistance at the national level, providing them with an overview of IOM’s work to support returning Ethiopians from pre-departure in Norway, during their travel, and after they arrive in Ethiopia, including through reintegration assistance.

IOM’s Commitment to Safe and Informed Returns

This Country-of-Origin visit is part of IOM’s broader efforts to ensure that migrants staying in RCs throughout Norway have access to accurate, up-to-date information about their home country. The visit facilitated open dialogue on the reintegration assistance available through the VARP project, both in Norway and upon return in Ethiopia. The visit also helped identify challenges faced by long-staying migrants, including mental health concerns.

IOM remains deeply committed to facilitating safe and informed voluntarily returns, ensuring that the rights and well-being of migrants are at the heart of every process.

This programme is funded by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). If you are considering returning to Ethiopia or any other country and would like more information or assistance, please contact us via email at iomoslovarp@iom.int.