Bamako – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Mali has suspended its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) services to some 100 migrants to better assess their eligibility. The suspension measure was taken on 19 September 2022, with a view to ensuring that assisted voluntary return and reintegration services reach those truly in need.

“AVRR is provided on a case-by-case basis depending on the individual’s vulnerability and is not always automatic for all those applying for it. We have decided to carry out a more in-depth analysis of requests received in September 2022 in Mopti, to ensure that these people are really in need and, if necessary, to direct those who are not eligible to other relevant facilities,” said Pascal REYNTJENS, Chief of Mission of IOM Mali.

Since early September 2022, IOM Mali has seen an unprecedented spike in the number of people applying for AVRR, which did not correspond to the usual flows. On 20 September, IOM informed migrants at one of its sub-offices that their applications would be thoroughly reviewed to ensure that they met the eligibility criteria. IOM continues to do its best to liaise with the consular offices and governments of countries of origin of migrants to facilitate their return by appropriate means.

IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programme is an important protection measure and one of the most appropriate options for vulnerable and stranded migrants who wish to return to their country of origin but lack the necessary means to do so. Through this programme, nearly 40,000 vulnerable migrants from more than a dozen countries, including Guinea, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Cameroon, and Mali, have been assisted by IOM Mali to return home in a dignified manner between 2017 and 2022.

For more information, please contact the IOM Mali Media and Communications Unit. Tel: +223 90 50 00 06.