From 26 January 2012, asylum seekers, persons whose application for residence has been rejected and persons without legal residence in Norway are being offered an opportunity to return voluntarily to Ethiopia with support from the Norwegian authorities. The programme provides practical as well as financial assistance in connection with the return journey and re-settlement in Ethiopian society.
Who can participate in ARE?
ARE (Assisted voluntary Return to Ethiopia) is a return and reintegration programme for asylum seekers, persons whose application for residence has been rejected and persons without legal residence in Norway who wish to return voluntarily to Ethiopia.
The programme is run by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA) on behalf of the UDI.
The IOM offers individual information and advice, help to obtain travel documents, organises the return journey, airline tickets, transit visas and assistance during transit and on arrival in Ethiopia.
Financial support
Applicants to the programme receive NOK 15,000 in cash on arrival in Ethiopia. The support is paid by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Addis Ababa.
Reintegration support
During the period after arrival in Ethiopia, participants are eligible to receive reintegration support of up to NOK 30,000 per person in the form of help to find a job, courses and training, or help to start a business.
Departure deadline
Persons without residence permits in Norway who do not leave the country voluntarily, may be escorted out of Norway to Ethiopia by the Police. Persons escorted out of Norway by the Police are not offered reintegration assistance.
How to apply
Applications are sent to the IOM in Oslo. Electronic application forms are available on theIOM's website.
For more information, contact the IOM on tel.: 800 37484 or by e-mail.
Read more about the IOM and the return programmes on the IOM’s website www.iom.no.
