The ERI project
Voluntary returnees can receive assistance towards their reintegration
Source: © istockphoto.com/gerenme
ERI is a joint return and reintegration project run by five EU Member States. The project supports the long-term re-integration of returnees to Morocco, Nigeria and Pakistan.
Voluntary returnees (but also persons who have been removed) receive assistance towards their reintegration, as well as post-arrival advice from a local organisation (service provider).
The lion's share of the expenditure incurred by the project is met by the European Union (European Return Fund), whilst the Member States fund the individual reintegration assistance. The project is initially intended to last for 18 months (1 June 2012 – 30 November 2013).
Who is eligible for assistance?
Moroccan / Nigerian and Pakistani nationals or other third-country nationals with a permit to reside or settle in Morocco, Nigeria or Pakistan,
- who have not yet received a final notice in response to their application for international protection in a Member State and who voluntarily return to Mo-rocco, Nigeria or Pakistan (e.g. asylum-seekers)
- who have been granted a form of international protection in a Member State (Directive 2004/83/EC) or temporary protection (Directive 2001/55/EC) and who voluntarily return to Morocco, Nigeria or Pakistan (e.g. persons entitled to asylum or with subsidiary protection status)
- who do not meet or have ceased to satisfy the preconditions to enter a Mem-ber State and/or to reside there and who are willing to voluntarily return to Morocco, Nigeria or Pakistan in order to comply with an obligation to leave the territory of this Member State (e.g. rejected asylum-seekers who are obliged to leave the country) who do not meet or have ceased to satisfy the preconditions to enter a Member State and/or to reside there.
What assistance is offered?
Supporting locally: The members of the ERI project in Pakistan
Service on arrival:
- collection/reception at the place of arrival (e.g. airport)
- short-term accommodation at the place of arrival (for up to two nights)
- urgent/emergency medical care
- Support in finding housing and accommodation (rent allowance where appropriate)
- Support in medical, legal and social matters (including looking for relatives)
- Advice in looking for and placement in jobs, as well as basic and further training (only applies to voluntary returnees
- Support in starting up in business
- Other individual assistance to enable returnees to support themselves
What benefits are included in reintegration assistance?
Reintegration assistance is granted in the shape of benefits in kind (exception: rent allowance). Cash payments are not permitted. Voluntary returnees receive more valuable assistance than those who have been removed.
Maximum amount of funding per person:
Voluntary returnees:
- (up to) EUR 1,250 or
- (up to) EUR 2,000 to start up a business (maximum)
Note: Voluntary returnees receive reintegration assistance in addition to any promotion from REAG/GARP funds.
- Persons who have been removed: (up to) EUR 750
Voluntary returnees returning as a family:
- spouse: (up to) EUR 1,250
- additional amount per minor child (up to) EUR 500
To download further information, please click the icon on the top right.
