The #IOMAVRRBulgaria, the assisted voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR) team of IOM, successfully accomplished the return of nine people from Iraq in their country of origin. The flight took place on February 9th. This is one of several voluntary returns of a large number of people, organized by #IOMAVRRBulgaria, after the set off of the state of emergency due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The returnees are a family of seven from Dohuk. #IOMAVRRBulgaria team carried out lots of meetings and consultations with the migrants to prepare them for the journey and gather information on the post-arrival situation in Iraq and their living conditions there.

In view of the pandemic, IOM Bulgaria assisted returnees in making PCR tests so as to avoid mandatory quarantine upon return to Iraq.

Returnees will receive reintegration assistance in their country of origin, in coordination with the team of #IOMAVRRIraq.

Voluntary return of 7 Iraqi citizens was implemented in the framework of project “Protection of Vulnerable Migrants and Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Support” financed by the European Commission’s Directorate General “Migration and Home Affairs” through the Emergency measures under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2014-2020.