Ireland 
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Facts and Figures
Additional ResourcesOverview
Migration ActivitiesIreland has been an IOM Member State since 2002. Since then it has become actively engaged in a number of thematic areas which all seek to positively contribute to facilitating and managing migration. Donors
IOM Dublin currently runs two Assisted Voluntary Return Projects (AVR) projects. The Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration programme (VARRP) is open to asylum seekers and vulnerable irregular migrants from non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries who wish to return home voluntarily but do not have the means, including the necessary documentation, to do so. The programme is fully funded by the Irish Department of Justice and Law Reform. The Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programme for Irregular Migrants is open to vulnerable irregular migrants from non-EEA countries who wish to return home voluntarily but do not have the means, including the necessary documentation, to do so. The programme is funded jointly by the Irish Department of Justice and Law Reform, and the European Return Fund. For both projects IOM Dublin provides assistance in obtaining valid travel documents from embassies and consular missions in Ireland or other European countries. While emphasizing the dignity and security of the return, IOM Dublin ensures that all returnees have appropriate transit and post-arrival assistance from IOM missions in countries of transit and destinations. Ireland is also a member of the Voluntary Return European Network (VREN), which is a two year project from 2011 to 2013, involving IOM and 16 Member States. The objective of VREN is to facilitate and promote harmonized voluntary return management policy in Europe and improve information sharing among stakeholders in both Europe and countries of origin. IOM Dublin is also supporting the ongoing efforts of the Irish Government in countering the serious crime of human trafficking through the organization of Counter Trafficking Training which took place over three sessions in 2009/2010. The primary objective of the counter-trafficking training "Tackling Trafficking in Ireland – What can you do?" was to enhance the capacity and professionalism of those trained, to replicate trainings within their own organizations and to set out the key steps to be taken, in the Irish context, should a victim of trafficking be encountered. The training focuses on the Irish context whilst also covering key global issues. Following on from this training initiative, IOM Dublin is now developing an additional resource for participants of the counter-trafficking train the trainers programme in 2011, which aims to further enhance the skills developed by potential trainers. This additional resource is a facilitator’s guide that includes step-by-step lesson plans on a variety of themes as well as training tips and guidelines. The resource will be distributed nationwide to relevant statutory and non-statutory agencies, in the hope of increasing awareness of this crime as widely as possible. IOM Dublin continues on an ongoing basis to organize, chair and deliver a one-day counter-trafficking training to the Irish Gardai (Police). This training is delivered in conjunction with key Irish NGOs and statutory organizations, as part of a three-day Garda professional development training course. Main Projects
IOM Dublin assists in organising the travel arrangements for family members of recognized refugees to come to Ireland, once the Irish Government has issued the necessary visas. IOM accompanies family members to the airport in the country of origin to ensure that they board the plane without any difficulties. If the flight involves a transfer in another airport, IOM staff meet and assist family members to change planes. In some European countries, the involvement of IOM in transit means that it is not necessary for family members to obtain a transit visa. Additionally, in certain circumstances, IOM identifies escorts to travel with unaccompanied children to Ireland. IOM Dublin also provides logistical and travel assistance to the Irish Government’s quota resettlement cases. This caseload consists of large group movements, as well as some individual medical cases. Main Projects
Donors
IOM Dublin's most recent research was carried out from 2010 to 2011 in conjunction with University College Cork, which identified and analyzed the factors that impact on asylum seekers and irregular migrants, in making a choice to either remain in Ireland or to avail of voluntary return services. The results of the research aim to better inform and tailor future programme provision and policy, and to ensure a deeper understanding of the dynamics of migratory processes relating to return issues. Main Projects
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