Baku - Despite the challenging year, IOM Azerbaijan is continuing its efforts to implement reintegration assistance to returnees – the citizens of Azerbaijan who voluntarily returned to the country of origin under the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) projects. In the first quarter of 2021 within its AVRR projects, IOM Azerbaijan provided cash assistance to 46 returnees and 76 returnees received in-kind assistance. In the specified period, 5 individuals received medical support, 4 individuals were assisted with housing, 32 individuals were assisted with the startup of small business, and 35 individuals received material assistance (home appliance and basic furniture).

IOM Azerbaijan currently provides its assistance activities for the returnees from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Turkey, and Latvia. The main part of reintegration assistance provided by IOM Azerbaijan is assistance to returnees with the establishment of income-generating activities such as small-farming (sheep, cattle breeding), businesses in the service sector (taxi), trade, and small-scale production that aims to benefit the returnees and their families. In addition, returnees are also assisted in housing, material assistance, covering medical needs, and tuition within the IOM’s AVRR projects. This assistance is intended for those individuals who voluntarily returned to Azerbaijan and to ensure their sustainability in the Azerbaijan society.