The IOM mission in Portugal provides assistance for voluntary return and reintegration through the Voluntary Return and Reintegration Support Program (ARVoRe). The program is a key component of a comprehensive approach to migration management. Its purpose is to ensure that migrants who are unable to stay in the host country and wish to return voluntarily to their countries of origin can do so in a dignified and secure manner and can be supported to achieve sustainable reintegration, in full respect of their human rights, regardless of their migratory status.

In Portugal, the Voluntary Return program has been carried out as a pilot program since 1997 and officially since 2001, due to a protocol signed between IOM and the Portuguese Government.
From 2009, it started to be co-funded by the Return Fund. The current two-year Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Program (AVRR VII) (from January 2019 to December 2020) is funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the Portuguese Government through the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF, in Portuguese).

The successful implementation of the AVRR program requires the cooperation and participation of a wide range of actors, including migrants, the Portuguese Government, the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF), the extended network of local partners, the Local Centers to Support Immigrants’ Integration (CLAIMs), the National Support Centers for Migrants’ Integration (CNAIMs), and the countries of origin. Partnerships created by IOM and different national and international stakeholders are essential for the effective implementation of ARVoRe VII - from the pre-departure phase to the reintegration in the country of origin.


The IOM mission in Portugal provides assistance for voluntary return and reintegration through the Voluntary Return and Reintegration Support Program (ARVoRe). The program is a key component of a comprehensive approach to migration management. Its purpose is to ensure that migrants who are unable to stay in the host country and wish to return voluntarily to their countries of origin can do so in a dignified and secure manner and can be supported to achieve sustainable reintegration, in full respect of their human rights, regardless of their migratory status.

In Portugal, the Voluntary Return program has been carried out as a pilot program since 1997 and officially since 2001, due to a protocol signed between IOM and the Portuguese Government. From 2009, it started to be co-funded by the Return Fund. The current two-year Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Program (AVRR VII) (from January 2019 to December 2020) is funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the Portuguese Government through the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF, in Portuguese).

The successful implementation of the AVRR program requires the cooperation and participation of a wide range of actors, including migrants, the Portuguese Government, the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF), the extended network of local partners, the Local Centers to Support Immigrants’ Integration (CLAIMs), the National Support Centers for Migrants’ Integration (CNAIMs), and the countries of origin. Partnerships created by IOM and different national and international stakeholders are essential for the effective implementation of ARVoRe VII - from the pre-departure phase to the reintegration in the country of origin.

In Portugal:
• Individualized counselling and information on voluntary return and reintegration assistance, including information on the country of origin;
• Assistance and referral to specific services in cases of vulnerability;
• Possibility of pre-departure psychosocial support;
• Organization of the return travel until the destination in the country of origin;
• Help in obtaining the necessary travel documents;
• Arrangement of a travel escort, if necessary;
• Assistance at the airport on the day of departure

 
In the country of transit:
• Assistance at the airport of the country of transit;

In the country of origin:
• Possibility of a short and/or medium-term reintegration assistance, including support in starting a small business, taking a vocational training course as well as support for medical treatment and other special needs.





 



How does the AVRR VII program work?

1. CONTACT US
The decision to return to the country of origin can be difficult to make. If you think this would be the best way forward, IOM staff and partners are available to explain how the program works, what type of support you can receive and answer to all your questions so that you are able to make an informed decision. Counseling is given individually and confidentially. You can contact the IOM office in Lisbon via our phone, email, Facebook or WhatsApp.




2. DECISION MAKING
Once we have explained you all the procedures regarding the program’s assistance, you will have as much time as you need to think about the next step. It is important to know that you can change your mind at any stage of the process, even after you have registered.




3. REGISTRATION TO THE AVRR VII PROGRAM
It is possible to schedule your appointment to register for the program at the IOM office in Lisbon. If you do not live in Lisbon, you can contact one of the AVRR partner organizations closest to your place of residence (Please, see list of AVRR VII partner organizations where you will be able to register for the program). Our support network count with a diverse group of partners throughout the Portuguese territory, including the Autonomous Regions (Madeira and Azores), who are available to provide all necessary information and register you for the program.




4. PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
Once you registered in the program, you may apply for psychosocial support before returning to your country of origin. You may receive a referral to a partner organization specialized in psychosocial support in Portugal.




5. DEPARTURE ASSISTANCE
Once your request for the program has been approved, we will contact you to in order to confirm whether you are ready to travel, if so, we will book your flights. On the departure day, we will be at the Lisbon airport with your airline tickets and we will accompany you in all boarding procedures, from the check in to the boarding gate.
The program will provide:

A flight ticket on the most direct and economical route to your country of origin or to a third country where your admission is guaranteed.
50€ of pocket money on the departure day for bearing small expenses that may arise.




6. REINTEGRATION SUPPORT IN THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
Prior to your departure, our team will be able to help you obtain necessary information for your reintegration in the country of origin. In some cases, depending on your needs, there is also the possibility of financial support in your country of origin, such as support for starting a small business or a vocational training course.

The request for reintegration support must be made prior to the travel. Each request will be assessed individually and, if approved, the decision will be communicated to you prior to your return. The financial support varies according to the needs of each person and may reach a maximum value of 2000€. Each case of reintegration support will be monitored individually, from the preparation of an Individual Reintegration Plan to the follow-up in the country of origin.



Who can benefit
from the AVRR VII program?
Migrants who wish to return to their country of origin and needs support to do so can benefit from the AVRR VII program, including:

Incluindo:
  • Migrants who do not have socioeconomic conditions to stay in Portugal

  • Asylum seekers whose application has been rejected or withdrawn

  • Stranded migrants

  • Migrants in vulnerable situations (such as unaccompanied minors, people with health problems, victims of human trafficking or other forms of violence, elderly, etc.)


In order to be eligible as a beneficiary, you need to meet the following conditions:
  • You must be in Portugal for more than 3 months;

  • Not you nor a close relative can be a national of any European Union Member-State;

  • You can only benefit from the program once, therefore, if you have already travelled with the program’s assistance, you will not be eligible.



 

Required documents
for registration
On the day of the registration for the AVRR VII program, you must present the following documents:


Passport (valid or expired one);


Any document containing your parents’ information (full name of mother and father), if the passport does not have this information;


Residence permit (valid or expired) if you are or have been the holder of this documents;



  • Other documents might also be relevant, such as consular registration, tax identification number (NIF, in Portugal), social security number (NISS, in Portugal), reporting attesting a vulnerable situation and travel permits – in case of minors travelling alone or only with one parent.

  • In specific situations, further documents may be requested (medical certificate, court documents and/or documents issued by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service – SEF).
    If you do not have any piece of ID, please contact IOM.



ARE YOU RETURNING TO BRAZIL AND, SPECIFICALLY TO SÃO PAULO, GOIÁS OR MINAS GERAIS?
If you return to one of the Brazilian states mentioned above, you may receive more detailed information about the types of support available locally. Depending on your needs, you may also be given a referral to a local organization. The project “Joint Complementary Mechanism for Sustainable Reintegration in Brazil” (SURE) aims to contribute to a more informed and sustainable reintegration in Brazil. This project will reinforce and complement the support provided by IOM's existing Voluntary Return and Reintegration Support programs implemented in Portugal, Belgium and Ireland. By strengthening the link between pre-departure counseling and post-arrival support, the project proposes the creation of a coordination and referral mechanism that will foster a more sustainable reintegration of migrants in Brazil. Based on the needs of migrants identified during pre-departure counseling in host countries, it will be possible to refer them to local actors in Brazil who have relevant initiatives or programs. The project focuses on the three main return states of Brazilian citizens in recent years: Goiás, Minas Gerais and São Paulo. IOM Portugal is responsible for project implementation and management.








My family is with me. Are they also eligible to benefit from the program?
Yes. The program supports individual candidates as well as families. It also includes support for minors, whether accompanied or not.

When I am NOT eligible to benefit from the program?
In four specific situations, IOM is not able to provide support for voluntary return and reintegration:
1) If you, or a direct family member, are a national from a European Union member-state;
2) If you had any legal problem in Portugal that prevents you from returning to your country of origin;
3) If you have previously benefited from this program;
4) In case of making false statements;
The failure to comply with these or other program-related requirements may result in exclusion from the program.

What are the required documents for registration?
On the day of the registration for the AVRR VII program, you must present passport (valid or expired one), any document containing your parents’ information (full name of mother and father) and, if you have, your residence permit. If you do not have any piece of ID, please contact IOM.

Will this support for return and reintegration cost me anything?
No. All the travel expenses and the support provided will be borne by the program and will not incur any costs to the beneficiaries.

Would I be subject to any kind of restriction if I benefit from the program?
Yes. The existing legislation (artigo 139.º - Apoio ao regresso voluntário, da Lei n.º 23/2007, de 4 de julho que aprova o regime jurídico de entrada, permanência, saída e afastamento de estrangeiros do território nacional, alterado pela Lei n.º 29/2012, de 9 de agosto, pela Lei n.º 56/2015, de 23 de junho, pela Lei n.º 63/2015 de 30 de junho, pela Lei nº. 59/2017 de 31 de julho, pela Lei n.º 102/2017 de 28 de agosto, pela Lei n.º 26/2018 de 5 de julho, e pela Lei n.º 28/2019, de 29 de março) provides two types of restriction for the program’s beneficiaries:
• Entry ban in Portugal for a period of three years;
• If you are in a regular situation in Portugal, you will have to hand in your residence permit at a Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) post at the airport, losing your right of residence.

What would be the airport of departure in Portugal?
All the program’s beneficiaries will have to travel through the Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon. If you are in the islands of Madeira or Azores, you will travel to Lisbon, where you will meet IOM staff and from Lisbon, you will travel to your country of origin.

How long does it take from the moment I register to the Programme until the travel date?
Each case is analysed individually and therefore the waiting time may differ for each person. Nevertheless, it is expected that the process should last between 1 and 2 months.

Can I change my mind and quit the programme during the process?
Yes. The participation as a beneficiary is completely voluntary, therefore, you will be able to withdraw from the process at any time. You will only need to inform IOM of your intention to do so. Nevertheless, if you decide to cancel the process after we have booked your travel, we will not be able to buy another ticket if you decide, later, to participate in the program again.

How much luggage can I take?
Each airline company has its own rules regarding luggage allowance. Once your travel has been confirmed, IOM will contact you and inform you of how much luggage you will be allowed to take. Expenses related to extra luggage will be borne by the beneficiary.

Can I travel with my pet?
IOM does not arrange or takes responsibility for the transportation of animals. Once your flights have been booked, you will be able to find information about pet transport conditions. Transportation costs and travel documentation will be the beneficiaries’ responsibility.

I have a serious health problem; can I benefit from the program?
The safety of return travel is a central element of the program. If you have any health conditions that may affect your travel, you must inform our staff. In order for IOM to be able to organize your trip as safely as possible, your doctor will need to fill out a specific IOM medical form stating that you are fit to fly as well as describe any specific needs you might have during the trip.

If I want to come back before the 3-year entry ban in Portugal, what can I do?
The current legislation (article 80. º of the Decree-law nº 84/2007 from 5th November - altered by the implementing decree nº 2/2013, from 18th March and by the implementing decree nº 15-A/2015, from 2nd September) stipulates that if you wish to go back to Portugal before the end of your entry-ban, you will need to contact the Portuguese consular representation in your country of residence and register for an admission process. The admission in Portugal will be validated after you reimburse every expense, including: the price of the airline ticket, the pocket money you received to meet journey-related expenses, and any financial support you may have received for reintegration purposes. You will also be required to pay an interest at statutory rate.
Voluntary Return
The Voluntary Return in the context of Portugal is framed under article 139 Support to Voluntary Return, from the Law n.º 23/2007, of 4th July, approving the legal system governing the entry, stay, exit and expulsion of foreigners in Portugal. This Law was modified by the Law n.º 29/2012, 9th August, the Law n.º 56/2015, from 23rd June, as well as theLaw n.º 63/2015 from 30th June.
Article 139 .º - Support to Voluntary Return:
1) The State can support the voluntary return of foreign citizens who meet the required conditions from their country of origin, under the cooperation programmes established with international organisations, namely the International Organisation for Migrations or Non-Governmental Organisations.
2) When the foreign citizens - who benefit from the support conceded under the above-mentioned terms – hold a residence authorisation, they have to hand it at the border control when boarding.
3) For a period of three years following the return to the country of origin, the voluntary return beneficiaries can only be admitted in Portugal provided that they refund the amounts received for their return, in addition to an interest at statutory rate.
4) The previous paragraph does not affect the possibility of an exceptional short-term visa emission, for humanitarian purposes, under the terms defined by article 68.º.
5) Citizens who have benefitted from a temporary protection status are not subject to the requirement defined under paragraph n.º 3.

Return to Portugal after benefiting from the Assisted Voluntary Return
The Law No. 23/2007, of July 4th states that the foreign citizens who leave the Portuguese territory under the AVRR Program and want to re-enter Portugal during the 3-year entry ban, may request the elimination of the entry-bam measure by reimbursement to the Portuguese State (according to the article No. 139 of Law No. 23/2007 of July 4th as amended by Law 29/2012, of August 9th which approves the legal regime for the entry, stay, departure and removal of foreigners from the national territory and according to the Regulatory Decree No. 02/2013 of March 18th, Article 80, which establishes the requirements and conditions for admission of foreign citizens to the national territory of who, having left the national territory after receiving voluntary return support, intends to return to Portugal before the end of the period of entry ban).