Frequently Asked Questions
We receive many questions about assisted voluntary return and reintegration, travel regulations, and financial support. On this page, we have tried to answer the most common ones. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
IOM has assisted thousands of people with their return from Norway throughout the years. Every migrant experience and every story is unique. We have collected some of these Stories of Return.
Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR)
How long will the application process take?
This varies greatly, depending on the documentation that an applicant is in possession of. Some people may be able to travel within a couple of weeks, while it may take some months for others. If an applicant can provide us with a valid travel document, an application can be processed quicker.
If I have an application to return with IOM, can the police still deport me?
Norwegian authorities can see that you have an active application for return with IOM. However, an application with IOM is never a guarantee that Norwegian authorities will not deport you.
Should I travel with IOM; will it have consequences for my possibility to return to Norway?
No, the return with IOM will not have any consequences in itself. However, your case with the Norwegian authorities may impact the possibility for return. IOM does not know you case with Norwegian authorities, therefore you need to ask them yourself. If you return to Norway within two years, you may be asked to pay back all or parts of any financial support you received.
Can IOM guarantee for my safety when returning voluntarily with IOM to my home country?
IOM cannot guarantee your safety when returning voluntarily. To travel with IOM is a voluntary decision, and it is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the security situation in the country and region you are returning to.
Can I choose which country I wish to travel to? Can I return to another country than where I am originally from
You can only apply to travel to your country of citizenship, or where you have a valid residence permit. There are some destinations that IOM cannot assist to. IOM Norway is not able to assist asylum seekers to return to another “Dublin country”.
Please call our office for more information about this.
Travel
How long will the application process take?
This varies greatly, depending on the documentation that an applicant is in possession of. Some people may be able to travel within a couple of weeks, while it may take some months for others. If an applicant can provide us with a valid travel document, an application can be processed quicker.
If I have an application to return with IOM, can the police still deport me?
Norwegian authorities can see that you have an active application for return with IOM. However, an application with IOM is never a guarantee that Norwegian authorities will not deport you.
Should I travel with IOM; will it have consequences for my possibility to return to Norway?
No, the return with IOM will not have any consequences in itself. However, your case with the Norwegian authorities may impact the possibility for return. IOM does not know you case with Norwegian authorities, therefore you need to ask them yourself. If you return to Norway within two years, you may be asked to pay back all or parts of any financial support you received.
Can IOM guarantee for my safety when returning voluntarily with IOM to my home country?
IOM cannot guarantee your safety when returning voluntarily. To travel with IOM is a voluntary decision, and it is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the security situation in the country and region you are returning to.
Can I choose which country I wish to travel to? Can I return to another country than where I am originally from
You can only apply to travel to your country of citizenship, or where you have a valid residence permit. There are some destinations that IOM cannot assist to. IOM Norway is not able to assist asylum seekers to return to another “Dublin country”.
Please call our office for more information about this.
Financial Support to Return (FSR)
How much will I receive in financial support?
The amount will depend on the time you apply and some other factors. It is The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) that decides how much money you can receive. Please see The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)’s webpage for information to read about the different amounts of support and the requirements for receiving it.
Is it possible to receive the financial support in Norway?
How long does it take to receive the financial support?
It will normally take 3 weeks after arrival, but this can vary from country to country. It also depends when you contact the IOM office in your home country after arrival, who will distribute the financial support. IOM recommends that you contact the local IOM office as soon as possible after you have returned, in order for you to receive the financial support as soon as possible. Your IOM bag will contain the contact information to the local IOM office.
What should I do if I have not received my financial support?
Please get in touch with your local IOM office. Your IOM bag will contain their contact information.
Can the financial support be transferred to my family member’s bank account?
Yes, this may be possible with a written authorization/confirmation letter from you.
Can I get the financial support in USD?
The payment of the financial support is primarily given in the local currency. Exceptionally, the support may be paid in a different currency, normally USD, depending on the situation in the country of return.
May I get the financial support at the airport when I land at my final destination?
For security reasons, this is unfortunately not possible.
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Office: Skippergata 33, 2nd floor, 0154 Oslo, Norway
Post: Pb 8927 Youngstorget, 0028 Oslo, Norway
Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00-15:00
Telephone: (+47) 23 10 53 20 | Fax: (+47) 23 10 53 23
