Voluntary returns

The report assesses the programme for voluntary return to Afghanistan launched in 2006 by the Norwegian government in cooperation with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). It examines the information, counselling and return planning provided in Norway and the reintegration assistance provided on return to Afghanistan. The study team conducted field visits to Afghanistan in October 2007 and February 2008 and interviewed returnees. There is a comparative review of the voluntary return programmes in Denmark and the United Kingdom.

The study includes suggestions made by returnees on how to improve the programme. The authors recommend that the programme is strengthened by providing education, specific skills training or language training for asylum seekers during their stay in Norway, that the provision of information is reviewed, and that the provisions for reintegration assistance are strengthened and improvements made to the monitoring and documentation of the reintegration programme.