Return to Somalia
The Dutch government has money for people who return independently. Various organisations can apply for this money for you. It is paid out partly in the form of goods and services (in kind). At some organisations, for example, you can take a short training course to learn a certain trade, and at other organisations you can receive assistance in working out a future plan and at others obtain tools for your own business. The financial value of the support in goods or services is the same at each organisation. You can only apply to one organisation at a time. The government monitors this.
In addition to this assistance, there is support under the REAN scheme (Return and Emigration Assistance from the Netherlands). IOM (International Organization for Migration) is the organisation that implements this scheme on commission from the government. Under REAN you can obtain counselling, a plane ticket, assistance in obtaining travel documents and an allowance for the initial needs. IOM also provides assistance with the actual return voyage. You must however meet several conditions.
What contributions are there?
The contributions for return to Somalia are:
- €1800 for an adult, of which no more than €300 in cash.
- €2800 for a child travelling along or an unaccompanied minor, of which no more than €300 in cash.
For example: a family of 2 adults and one minor child will receive €1800 + €1800 + €2800 = €6400. Of this total amount no more than €900 will be paid in cash.
Which organizations assist with return?
- The Dutch Council for Refugees. In the project Met Opgeheven Hoofd (With Head Held High) you can receive guidance in preparing for independent return and reintegration in their country of origin. If you want us to do so, the Dutch Council for Refugees can put you in contact with a partner organisation in your country. This organisation has a network there and knowledge of the political and economic situation. We first discuss with you the possibilities, for example for work, your own business, contacting family again, training, medical care or housing. After returning, you will be received by the partner organisation in your country of origin, which will assist you with reintegration and investment of the available money.
- Internationale Organisation for Migration (IOM), can help you to resume your life at home again after you return. Via IOM, after your return for example you can invest in housing, training or a business. You will not receive cash for this, but you will spend the in-kind scheme in cooperation with the IOM office in your country of origin.
- Foundation Wereldwijd supports participants in starting their own business. People who participate in the WereldTools project receive a crate of materials, tools and machines in order to return to work as soon as possible after returning to their country of origin. The local IOM office takes receipt of the crate for you at customs.
- Solid Road offers various short training courses enabling people to learn a certain trade. With the knowledge you gain during the training course, you can start a business in your country of origin. In addition to the training courses to learn a trade, you also receive business training and you receive a certificate after the end. There is also money to spend on goods that help you to reintegrate.
- Stichting ROS has projects including Vice Versa. With this project you can receive support if you return voluntarily to your country of origin, aimed at your personal situation. Together with a return coach from your own country, you prepare for your return, you make a future plan together and see how you want to spend the return funds. You can undergo training or take a course so that you can start working after you return. After you return you will be assisted by a partner in your country of origin.
- Goedwerk Foundation offers solutions for return aimed at your own personal situation, because this is different for everyone. Through good preparation in the Netherlands and aftercare in your country of origin, Goedwerk aims to ensure that your return goes well. The staff members make a future plan together with you and see what you would like to use the return funds for.
Which cooperation partners can help you in your country of origin?
- VluchtelingenWerk works in various countries with partner organizations that can provide you with information about the situation in your country of origin and can support and guide you when you return. VluchtelingenWerk does not have a cooperation partner in Somalia to guide you.
- IOM also has an office in Somalia and the reintegration support there is handled by the local office.
- Other organizations sometimes have a partner in Somalia who could assist you (at distance) with your return. For more information, please contact this organization or ask your counselor VluchtelingenWerk.