IOM gives free flights
and support
to overstaying migrants

by Charles Kelly

12 October 2007

Migrants who find themselves stranded in a country without money and a valid visa can seek support from their Embassy or migrant organisations. 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) offers assistance to illegal or over-staying migrants and asylum seekers who wish to return to their home countries voluntarily.

This assistance includes: 

• advice and counselling
• help to obtain travel documentation
• payment for flight tickets to the home country
• departure and arrival assistance
• reintegration assistance in the home country
• grants for business start-ups and education

The programmes are implemented in partnership with a number of non-governmental organisations around the country and the Home Office.  

Who can benefit? 

• People who have had their work permits withdrawn and no longer have the right to remain in the UK,
• Failed asylum seekers
• Visa over-stayers
• Anyone in the UK illegally who would like assistance to return home.

Whilst recognising that this may not be the ideal solution for those who would like to remain in the UK and fight their case, IOM believes that it is an alternative option for those facing the likelihood of being deported.

IOM worldwide

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental body, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to:

• assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration;
• advance understanding of migration issues;
• encourage social and economic development through migration;
• uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

The full range of IOM activities worldwide are available at: www.iom.int

Check the IOM website and look at the Q & A’s to see if you can benefit.

If you have been refused a visa or would like immigration advice and a free consultation please email me at: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk.

For all the latest immigration news see

www.immigrationmatters.co.uk