Algiers, Algeria– This week (26/02), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) assisted 70 migrants from Benin return home safely from Algeria through a special voluntary return flight organized thanks to the crucial support from the Government of Algeria and coordination with countries of origin.

Most migrants on the flight heard about the possibility to return to their country of origin with IOM’s assistance through social media, with the IOM Algeria Facebook page becoming an increasingly important tool for IOM for outreach and communication with migrant communities in the country.

The coordination with the Algerian authorities and exceptional opening of international borders for voluntary return has allowed IOM to assist over 800 migrants to return from Algeria since July 2020. Assisted migrants include women, children and trafficked persons.

The migrants departed from Algiers’ Houari Boumediene International Airport and supported six women and 61 men on their way home to Cotonou. IOM staff assisted the returnees through the different airport formalities.  Post-arrival assistance has been provided by IOM in Benin at arrival including PCR testing, pocket money and onward transportation.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 and related travel restrictions, the socio-economic situation of many migrants was impacted. Migrants reached out to IOM and their embassy to request administrative and financial assistance to return home and reunite with their families. The Benin embassy in Morocco actively facilitated the preparation through consular support and pre-departure procedures.

To ensure that migrants residing in all parts of the country have the chance to return home, inland transportation was provided to the departure point of Algiers. IOM run transit facility (DARV), a structure provided by the Algerian government, accommodated the migrants before their departure. The inland movement, mandatory PCR testing and exit procedure were coordinated with relevant Algerian authorities, which significantly eased the process.

IOM staff in Algeria followed COVID-19 prevention and hygiene measures in line with international, national and IOM standards including medical checks prior to and during travel, mandatory COVID-19 PCR test five days prior to the flight, the distribution of COVID-19 prevention kits, including information, education and communication materials. Moreover, and to limit the pandemic risks, remote counselling sessions have been set-up, conducted by a Rapid Screening Form which allows IOM staff to guide each migrant following his needs.

Upon arrival to their respective countries, migrants will be received by IOM staff at the airport and benefit from assistance on arrival, including protection and medical services, before returning to their communities of origin.

In the following weeks, eligible returnees will receive socio-economic reintegration assistance including medical and psychosocial support, educational and vocational training, support for housing and other basic needs, as well as the set-up of income generating activities to ensure a sustainable reintegration into the origin communities, depending on the needs and the will of the returnees.

The return assistance was made possible with support from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the US Department of State and the Kingdom of Denmark.