Refugee Action’s Services

Refugee Action is a independent national charity working to enable migrants to build new lives. With more than 30 years’ experience, we empower refugees, asylum seekers and migrants by providing confidential, impartial and non-directive advice.

Support and Advice to

Asylum SeekersUNHCR Gateway

Protection Programme for

Refugees

Policy and Campaigning

Assisted Voluntary Return

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Model of Advice

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Client Centred• Explore all options available

to client• Life in UK• Legal avenues (OISC 2)

Impartial, non-directive & independent

Empower clients to make their own informed decision

ConfidentialNo personal details need be given, nor will any be passed on to 3rd parties (including UKBA), in order to obtain information and advice.

Motivation of ReturnPull Factors

• Change of government

• Peace agreement

• Family Illness

• Death/bereavement

• Offer of employment

• Marriage

• Partner and family ask to return

• Homesickness

Push Factors

• Refusal of asylum/appeal

• Time waiting for decision

• Refusal of a friend/family member

• Poor accommodation/Destitution

• Limited access to legal advice

• Unable to seek employment

• Language difficulties

• Isolation/loneliness

• Cultural differences/way of life

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Assisted Voluntary Return Programmes

• Assisted Voluntary Return for Irregular Migrants programme (AVRIM)

• Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRP)

• Assisted Voluntary Return for Families and Children Programme (AVRFC)

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Eligibility Criteria

• Irregular Migrants

• Asylum Seekers or refused Asylum Seekers

• Migrants with Discretionary Leave to Remain

Not eligible if:

• Subject to on going criminal proceedings in the UK

• Received prison sentence in UK which adds up to 12 months or more

• Removal Directions issued

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Assisted Voluntary Return Programmes

Our 3 programmes offer:

• Flight and onward travel to final destination• Assistance with obtaining Travel Documents• Reintegration planning• Assistance at the airport

In addition financial assistance is provided to:

• Asylum Seekers and migrants with Discretionary Leave to Remain - up to £1500

• All families and unaccompanied minors – up to £2000 per family member

• Irregular Migrants -vulnerability payment up to £1000 in exceptional circumstances

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Client Journey

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Pre-Decision

Stage

• Non-directive advice• Completing form• Signposting/referral

Logistics Stage

• Travel Document• Flight• Medical Escort

Reintegration Stage

• Reinegration Plan

Safeguarding Policies

• Physical and Mental Health Needs

• Victims of Trafficking

• Domestic Violence

• High Risk Countries

• Unaccompanied Minors

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Assistance by our Overseas Partners

• Meet and Greet at Airport

• Reintegration payments

• Advice and assistance

• Tailored reintegration packages

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• Algeria• Bangladesh• Bolivia• Brazil• China• Ghana• India• Iraq • Jamaica• Malawi• Mauritius• Mongolia• Nigeria• Pakistan• South Africa• Sri Lanka• Uganda• Zimbabwe

How to contact Choices

Clients can call us Freephone on:

0808 800 0007

Or visit the Choices website:www.choices-avr.org.uk

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We have multilingual Leaflets and posters available

Drop-in Sessions:Mondays &

Wednesdays10am – 12pm2pm – 4pm

Personal Contact Details

Anuska Casas Pinto

AnuskaC@refugee-action.org.uk

Mobile: 07824626399

Referrals: ChoicesDutyLondon@refugee-action.org.uk

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