Baku - IOM Azerbaijan continues its efforts to provide reintegration assistance to returnees – citizens of Azerbaijan who voluntarily returned from abroad under the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) projects. Such assistance is intended to ensure the sustainability of returns, i.e., to help individuals who return voluntarily to their countries of origin firmly re-establish themselves as part of the home society.

IOM Azerbaijan has been implementing reintegration assistance activities for Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Spain, and Switzerland.

In 2022, 907 nationals voluntarily returned to Azerbaijan under AVRR projects. The top return countries were Moldova (545), Germany (241 persons), Netherlands (66 persons), Poland (15 persons), and Austria (14 persons).

During the reporting time, under the AVRR projects, extensive reintegration counseling sessions with returnees were conducted by IOM Azerbaijan staff. A total of 501 returnees received reintegration assistance.

Out of those 501 beneficiaries, IOM Azerbaijan provided cash assistance to 29 beneficiaries, 224 beneficiaries received in-kind assistance, and 248 beneficiaries were provided both (cash/in-kind). In-kind assistance ranged from assistance with temporary housing, start-up of small businesses, purchasing of home appliances and furniture items, to covering health-related and educational needs.

Within the framework of the AVRR projects, returnees were provided with assistance in setting up small business activities, providing temporary housing, assistance with necessary household items, and meeting medical needs. With the support of the IOM, individuals who voluntarily returned from abroad to Azerbaijan have established their entrepreneurial activities in the field of small farming (purchase of small and cattle), service sector (for example taxi), small trade, and production.