The Regional Directorate for the Communities prepares the application for the Voluntary Return and Reintegration Support Program – ARVoRe – run by the International Organization for Migration. This program provides assistance with Voluntary Return and Reintegration and aims to ensure that any migrants who need or wish to return voluntarily are able to do so in a dignified and safe manner and that they receive support to achieve sustainable reintegration, with full respect for their human rights regardless of their migration status.

All migrants who need and want to return voluntarily to their country of origin and who meet the criteria established by IOM

The IOM is the entity responsible for analysing the application and making the decision. The program support envisages:

a) Travel assistance:
– An airline ticket, following the most direct and cheapest route to the country of origin or to a third country to which the migrant is guaranteed to be admitted;
– €50 pocket money on the day of the journey to cover other expenses that may arise during the trip

b) Reintegration Support in the Country of Origin:
Before departure, the IOM team will help obtain any information necessary for the migrant’s integration in the country of origin and will discuss an individual reintegration plan. In some cases, and depending on the migrant’s needs, there is also the possibility of getting financial support in the country of origin aimed at starting a small business or taking a technical course, for example. Financial support varies according to each person’s needs, and can be up to a maximum of €2000.Applications for reintegration support must be made prior to travel, and each case of reintegration support is followed up individually, and involves the preparation of an Individual Reintegration Plan and monitoring and follow-up during the first 6 months in the country of origin.

– In person, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, at the Public Service Centers of the Regional Directorate for the Communities in Ponta Delgada, Angra do Heroísmo and Horta;
– By appointment at the town councils of Vila do Porto (Santa Maria), Povoação and Nordeste (São Miguel), Madalena and Lajes do Pico (Pico), Calheta and Velas (São Jorge), Santa Cruz da Graciosa (Graciosa), Santa Cruz das Flores and Lajes das Flores (Flores) and Vila do Corvo (Corvo). Appointments can be scheduled by email or by phone;
– By e-mail: [email protected];

– By phone: (+351) 296 204 700.

Please see the Contacts section for further information.