Co-funding received from European Return Fund and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

The Voluntary Assisted Return Programme for Vulnerable Irregular Nigerian Nationals(VARP VINN) was launched by IOM Dublin & IOM Netherlands on the 1 st September 2006 and will run for a period of 18 months. The aim of this new trans-national programme is to contribute to the Irish and Dutch Governments’ efforts in assisting the humane, orderly and sustainable voluntary return of vulnerable irregular Nigerian migrants living in Ireland and The Netherlands, to Nigeria. This programme managed by IOM Dublin and implemented in partnership with IOM Netherlands will work in collaboration with the Irish, Dutch and Nigerian Governments, the HSE Team for Separated Children Seeking Asylum, NIDOS (Legal Guardian Organization for unaccompanied minor migrants), STV (Foundation against Women Trafficking) and a host of Non-Governmental Agencies.

The project aims to assist up to 100 vulnerable persons who have been refused permission to remain in either Ireland or The Netherlands, and to address the needs arising from their vulnerabilities for their voluntary return to Nigeria. Vulnerable people include Victims of Trafficking, Un-accompanied Minors, female headed households, aged out minor and people with special medical requirements.

Return assistance will cover documentation and transportation, including pre-departure counselling, transportation assistance (including transit) and arrival assistance provision of temporary specialised accommodation (e.g. shelters) specifically suitable for the most vulnerable cases (estimated to be 20 persons). Return is contingent on appropriate safeguards being in place that will assist vulnerable people during the process of returning home .

An international conference will be held at mid-term of the project, about 8 months after the commencement where the results of the conference will form the basis of recommendations to be applied during the remaining project period.

For more details contact IOM Dublin or IOM Netherlands at