IOM in Norway

IOM was established in May 2002 upon request of the Norwegian Government.   Norway has been a member state of the intergovernmental organization since 1951.  IOM Norway’s main office is located in Oslo Sentrum with staff who, between them, speak over 30 different languages. No appointment is necessary to visit this office between 10am -3 pm, Monday to Thursday. We also have presence in Trondheim and Kristiansand. All enquiries to IOM are treated confidentially and there is no need for anyone to give their name in order to receive free advice.

The first programme implemented in Norway was the Voluntary Assisted Return Programme (VARP).    This programme targets migrants who have been in the asylum system at any stage - applying, appealing, refused – or that is an irregular situation without valid permit to stay in Norway.  Under this programme IOM arranges international flights and onward domestic transportation.  Since 2006 different reintegration programmes have also been developed to provide reintegration support to returnees.

In addition, this programme has also been used to provide logistic support to Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration for Victims of Trafficking since 2007.  Under this programme, victims of trafficking who have been brought to Norway have the opportunity to return home and are provided with reintegration support and close follow up in their country of origin.

IOM Oslo also runs a Cultural Orientation Programme for Norway-bound Refugees which provides pre-departure cultural orientation (CO) classes for refugees accepted for resettlement to Norway. IOM Oslo, in close coordination with IOM offices in countries where refugees are temporarily residing, organizes training for selected target groups of refugees, aged 8 years and above, on the practicalities of life in Norway and general integration requirements.