Establishment of a multi-level transnational Network
among various countries for voluntary Return Issues
Reshaping Migration Policy for
AVR
ΕΥΡΩΠΑΙΚΗ ΕΝΩΣΗ ΜΟΝΑΔΑ ΤΑΜΕΙΩΝ
ΑΛΛΗΛΕΓΓΥΗΣ
The Voluntary Return Network is managed by the University of Nicosia and the
Independent, non-governmental, non-profit centre CARDET. The project
“Establishment of Multilateral Network of Various Countries for Return Issues”,
(Action 2, European Return Fund, Annual Program 2013) is co-funded by the
European Return Fund (95%) and the Republic of Cyprus (5%)
The notion of Assisted Voluntary Returns in Cyprus
constitutes a new concept that has only been recently
introduced.
The meaning of Sustainability in relation to AVR can be
explored in a twofold aspect:
 overall policy in which an AVR program functions
(day-to-day operation)
 produced outcomes (achieving a sustainable return).
To measure sustainability of the AVR scheme in Cyprus,
there is a need to ameliorate, strengthen and address
practical issues in relation to the legal framework,
existing policies and practices that may hinder the
operation of AVR programs, the service delivery and
consequently the expected outcomes.
AVR sustainable solution
For a sustain model, there is a need to
1.
2.
3.
construct a flexible hierarchical structure
with active participation of several
organisations and employees;
maintain quality professional practices; and
understand a number of different criteria
that may influence the decision of
individuals to return.
AVR Sustainable Model
Structure
The changing context in the related organisations demands
from those who hold positions of power and responsibility to
provide direction for further development.
All organisations require leaders to be effective, to inspire
their staff, to set the dimensions and to organise the daily
activities.
Structure
the design of a more flexible organisation structure is
recommended;
a decentralisation in smaller decision making groups is
promoted alongside to a more centralising strategy on the
top.
Members of such teams can be lead professionals (i.e. middle
managers) from every organisation working on these issues.
Such development will enable the greater participation of
statutory and voluntary agencies while it is expected that
there will be a better delegation of funding to support the
target group.
The overall aim is to set the foundations for the adaptation of
a participatory (co-operative) management culture.
standardisation of procedures secures transparent policies
towards continuous provision of quality professional services
Assistance
Changes in procedures have to be
accompanied by clear explanations
of the necessity for them.
Professionals have to understand
the motivation behind the change,
otherwise a resistance to change
will be anticipated or an alteration
of guidelines with other informal
procedures
Implementation of information systems
Prevention of lost time and momentum in arranging
meetings, extracting outcomes and helping them to design
more effective and efficiency systems
Assistance
Individual’s professional development needs
have to be early identified and emphasis to be
given on the work related needs.
More comprehensive training sessions need to
be established
 Emphasis in developing multi-professional
attitude.
 Professionals may also need training and on
ways to improve their learning and get better
and more efficient practical outcomes.
Returnees
There is a need for better
clarification of the target
group that will benefit from
the existing and future AVR
programs.
Understand and appreciate the importance of
social networks on people’s lives as they fulfil
different functions.
Establishment of a secured environment to provide the space
of the person to decide on his/her own choice of return.
Adaptation of specific psycho-social techniques in relation to
the multi-cultural context
Everyday life as an irregular migrant brings along challenges
that may disrupt social relations and create uncertainty and
unpredictability.
Assisted Voluntary Returns in Cyprus
In Cyprus since January 2015, Cardet a non governmental
organization in collaboration with the University of Nicosia and
Caritas International (BE) are implementing the first Assisted
Voluntary Return Program.
Establishment of Migrant Information Centre for
Assisted voluntary Returns (AVR Cyprus).
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Information provision.
Psycho-social support to think and decide to return back to their
countries of origin.
Material support (in-kind support)