Voluntary Return and Reintegration Assistance for Nigerian Nationals

Duration: 01.09.2009 to 31.12.2014

From September 2009 to December 2014, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Vienna implemented the project series “Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration for Nigerian Nationals in Austria” which was co-financed by the European Return Fund and the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior.

Within the framework of this project, Nigerian citizens who were either a) asylum seekers, b) recognized refugees, c) subsidiary protection holders or d) who did not or no longer fulfil the conditions for staying in Austria were assisted in their voluntary and sustainable return as well as in their reintegration in their country of origin. Measures to support the returnee’s efforts to reintegrate in his/her society were determined in a participatory and consultative manner taking into account the individual needs and skills of the participants.

IOM implemented the following activities:

RETURN ASSISTANCE:

• Pre-departure assistance at Vienna International Airport;
• Reception assistance at Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport;
• If needed, overnight accommodation and onward transportation to the final destination in Nigeria;

REINTEGRATION ASSISTANCE:

• Prior to the return, a vocational orientation session in Austria was offered for interested participants.
• Furthermore, IOM supported reintegration measures with in-kind financial assistance worth up to a maximum amount of EUR 3,500:
  • Vocational training: e.g. mechanic, computer engineer, hairdresser, plumber, electrician, farmer, etc.;
  • Business training and support for starting a small business (e.g. in agriculture, welding, tailoring, small shops, timbering, beauty salons, car services, Internet-cafes, etc.);
  • Purchase of necessary tools and equipment.

This seed money was not paid out in cash but payments were made directly to the service providers/suppliers.

• Additional support was e provided to returnees with special needs (single-parent families, unaccompanied minors, persons with medical needs, etc.).

MONITORING:

In addition to the continuous monitoring carried out by IOM in Nigeria, monitoring trips from Austria to Nigeria were organized to follow up and collect information on the reintegration of project participants.

SUPPORT FOR RETURN COUNSELLORS:

IOM closely coordinated all activities with return counsellors and was ready to answer any questions or concerns on an individual basis. International Workshops for Return Counsellors were held in order to enhance networks and exchange best practices between stakeholders in Austria, Nigeria and other countries.

Project Flyer

This project was co-financed by the European Return Fund and the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior.