Frequently asked questions (F.A.Q.)

 

1. Who can participate in AVR programme?

Non-EU citizens, staying in Lithuania and: 1) do not have a visa or residence permit in Lithuania, or exceeded their permitted period of stay; 2) are asylum seekers, who has not yet received a final negative decision about the grant of asylum.

 

2. What does the voluntary return assistance programme provide?

AVR program takes care of travel tickets, documents, if necessary – medical and psychological assistance for migrants.

 

3. What needs to be done in order to benefit from AVR programme?

You need to complete an application form and get in touch with the IOM Office staff.

 

4. What is the procedure of voluntary return?

Firstly, the migrant alone or with IOM's assistance has to complete an application form. According to the questionnaire, the IOM staff will decide whether the migrant is eligible to receive assistance under the AVR. Thi is  followed by travel document processing, booking of tickets, assessment of the individual's needs ( to determine whether the medical, psychological or social assistance is needed).  When necessary, medical or psychological assistance is provided.

 

5. What should be done after the return to the country of origin?

Upon his return to the country of origin, the migrant does not have any obligation to inform or contact with the IOM offices or officials. If the migrant is seeking reintegration support, he/she has to visit an IOM office in his/her country of origin within one month.

 

 

6. How long does the organization of voluntary return take?

The organization of voluntary return depends on the amount of time it takes to arrange necessary travel documents and the individual needs of returnees. If migrants already have all of the necessary documents, travel arrangements will only take a few days, but if a person does not have any identity documents, their order and coordination can take a few weeks (depending on the diplomatic missions).

 

 

7. What is the reintegration assistance and how to receive it?

Reintegration assistance is the support for the returning migrants in order to help them to establish themselves in their country of origin. To receive reintegration support the migrant has to complete the relevant form with the help of IOM Vilnius Office staff.

 

8. Can a migrant return to a place other than his/her homeland?

Under the AVR programme the migrant may only return to his/her country of origin or to another third country ( a non - European Union and a non - European Economic area), in which he/she has a residence permit.

 

9. How many times a person can receive AVR assistance provided by IOM Vilnius Office?

The assistance is provided only once.

 

10.  Will the person, who has voluntarily returned to the country of origin or other country in which he/she has a permit to stay, be banned from entry to Lithuania or another Schengen state?

Decisions on restriction are taken by government institutions based on the criteria prescribed by the law.

 

11. Can minors benefit from the AVR programme?

They can. In this case, unaccompanied minors are classified as vulnerable categories of migrants and are given special help - during the entire trip an authorized adult accompanies them.

 

12. Can people who are sick or have a disability benefit from the AVR programme?

Yes, they can.Persons who are sick or have a disability are classified as vulnerable migrants to whom additional psychological, social and medical assistance may be provided if needed.

 

13.  Does the AVR programme provide financial support?

Yes. A returning adult person receives a pocket allowance of Euro 200, and Euro 100 for each minor returning with him/her.

 

14. What identification documents should a migrant have in order to benefit from the AVR programme?

A person without any identification documents can approach the IOM Vilnius Office. The IOM Vilnius Office will provide the assistance in obtaining travel document in cooperation with the diplomatic missions.

 

15.  In what language a migrant shout fill in the AVR application form?

The migrant can complete the AVR programme application form in any language that he/she understands. If a person is unable to complete a form independently, he/she can get in touch with the IOM Vilnius Office and arrange a personal consultation.

 

16. Can a migrant refuse to participate in the programme after completion of the form?

Yes, a migrant can refuse to participate in the programme even after he/she has completed the form already.

 

17. Is participation in voluntary return assistance programme paid, and must the person repay travel expenses to the IOM Vilnius Office?

Participation in the AVR programme is free and any person using the IOM Office's assistance does not need to repay the actual travel costs, except for cases where the person is clearly abusing the programme.