The project “Developing Assisted Voluntary Return in Finland (DAVRiF)” was launched on 1 January 2010 as a cooperation between the office of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Helsinki and the Finnish Immigration Service. The project is funded by the European Return Fund and the Finnish Immigration Service and is expected to have the following phases:

• 1st phase: 1 January 2010 – 28 February 2011
• 2nd phase: 1 March 2010 – 29 February 2012 (ongoing)
• 3rd phase: 1 March 2012 – 31 December 2012

The overall goal of the project is to establish a permanent framework for Assisted Voluntary Return in Finland that will continue to provide migrants in Finland with voluntary return assistance also after the end of the project.

Even though it is a project aiming at collection of best practices and continuous development, IOM will nevertheless in all project phases:

• Develop and consolidate assisted voluntary return practicies and policies in Finland
• Support cooperation and coordination between Finnish authorities and others working with voluntary return
• Increase the level of knowledge about assisted voluntary return amongst potential returnees, project partners, and the public at large
• Assist applicants with voluntary return arrangements and provide reintegration assistance to eligible returnees

IOM Helsinki is the coordinator of the project and as such responsible for the implementation of all activities. The work is however done in close partnership with the Finnish Immigration Service and other partners.