Filling in the forms
Incomplete application forms may delay the return process or even lead to rejection of the application. Applicants should therefore fill in the forms as carefully as possible, preferably in English.

AVR form
The Assisted Voluntary Return form is available in various languages and for different destinations. It is often practical to have the contact information of the person also in the country of return, though not everybody is able to or even wants to provide this information. Note however that all returnees to Iraq must inform a return address / return contact information. Providing the return address also helps to arrange transportation to the final destination in the country of origin as well as the reintegration process.

It is also important to mention in the AVR form if the returnee has special wishes as concerns date of return, if s/he has a medical condition that can influence the travel etc. All adult returnees (more than 18 years of age) should sign the form.

The applicant may include with the AVR form copies of travel documents, national IDs, and other relevant information.

Reintegration application form
The detail of the reintegration application form is one of the things determining the size of the grant. The form also has a space for the returnee’s contact person, e.g. social worker, to comment on the person’s need for support after return. No applicant can be granted reintegration support without filling in the reintegration application form.

The applications can be faxed to IOM on 09-684 11 511 or 09-684 11 510. They can also be sent as attachments to an e-mail to iomhelsinkiavr@iom.int

If you prefer to send by surface mail the mail address is: IOM Helsinki, AVR, P.O. Box 851, 00101 Helsinki, Finland.

Guidance through telephone or personal visit
The IOM Helsinki Assisted Voluntary Return unit can be contacted if you or the applicant have any questions or comments concerning the assisted voluntary return. In our office we can provide counseling in several different languages, including English, Finnish, French, Arabic, Kurdish, Dari and Russian (January 2012).  

After submission of the application
IOM will first of all confirm to you that the application has been received. After receiving the application, IOM registers the person and processes the application.

IOM will inform you about the eligibility of the applicant and the travel arrangements. We will also contact you or the applicant for possible submission of application for travel documents.

Confirmation on travel datesWhen the travel is confirmed and a possible travel document has been issued, IOM will send information concerning the travel to you/the contact person of the returnee, e.g. social worker, and/or to the person directly.

The following information will be provided by IOM when the travel is confirmed:

• Flight route
• Luggage weight regulations for the flights
• Hand luggage regulations
• The size of reintegration grant
• Information on transportation to Helsinki Airport if arranged by IOM Helsinki (IOM will in most cases forward a bus voucher to the retunee’s contact person)
• Meeting time and place at Helsinki Airport (Terminal 1 or Terminal 2).
• Contact details for the IOM staff assisting at Helsinki-Vantaa airport
• IOM emergency number in case of sudden changes

Practical info on arrival to airport
The returnee should arrive to the airport at least two hours prior to scheduled departure time. If you have any IOM plastic bags, please give one to the returnee as this will make it easier for returnee and IOM to find one another at the airport. If you do not have any bags, IOM staff will give him/her a plastic bag at Helsinki Airport.

Depending on the airline, IOM usually meets with the returnee in either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 at Helsinki Airport. If the returnee comes to the airport by bus, the bus stops first at Terminal 1 and then continues to Terminal 2.

IOM staff will assist the returnee at the airport and stay with him/her until the plane takes off. IOM staff will also meet the returnee in the transits and in the country of origin (availability of arrival assistance depends on the country of return).