Voluntary return and reintegration

All EU and third-country nationals who have been recognised as victims of human trafficking and who express their willingness to leave Poland are entitled to free return assistance operated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). 

The voluntary return programme is implemented under the Agreement between the Minister of the Interior and Administration of the Republic of Poland and the International Organisation for Migration (on cooperation in the field of voluntary return of foreigners leaving the territory of the Republic of Poland from 2005) and the provisions of the Act on Foreigners. IOM implements the programme in cooperation with the Border Guard and the Office for Foreigners. 

As part of the voluntary return programme, IOM provides the victim with:

• Reliable information on return and the situation in the country they want to return to
• Counselling on return and reintegration after return
• Accommodation and meals prior to return
• A risk assessment in the case of trafficking in human beings
• Verification of the validity of travel documents and support in obtaining them
• Safe travel from the territory of Poland to the destination in the country of return
• Medical escort and medical consultation to assess fitness to travel, if necessary
• Reintegration assistance upon return, in cooperation with the IOM office in the country of return.

Upon receiving an application for assistance in voluntary return, IOM conducts a risk analysis on the return and an assessment of the reintegration needs. The person concerned may withdraw their application at any stage of the return arrangements.

The risk assessment is performed in cooperation with the IOM office in the country of the victim’s origin. Information to support the assessment is obtained from the interview with the victim themselves, the victim’s family and relatives, as well as local institutions and organisations. 

IOM takes care of the preparation and implementation of the return. It provides the foreigner with reliable information about their return and the situation in the country of return, as well as counselling on return and reintegration. Additionally, IOM organises short-term accommodation before the returnee leaves Poland, a medical consultation, as well as assistance in obtaining travel documents. They also help with choosing the date of departure, the most convenient connection and means of transport, and purchasing tickets. 

IOM provides transportation to the airport/railway station as well. For security reasons, airplanes are the preferred form of transport. IOM can arrange an escort by medical personnel, a social worker, a legal guardian, or an IOM employee if required, e.g., due to the age or health condition of the returnee.

Moreover, IOM staff provides transit assistance to the country of return if there are no direct connections available. After the victim reaches their destination country, IOM staff in that country organises safe travel to the final destination. 

In exceptional circumstances, KCIK can also arrange travel to the country of origin. That is possible when the victim wishes to return to the country of origin to deal with personal matters and then return to Poland to continue cooperation in the criminal procedures. 

Reintegration assistance

Reintegration assistance is provided after the foreigner’s return to their country of origin. It includes financial and in-kind assistance tailored to individual needs.

The aim of the assistance is to support the victim with costs related to education, healthcare, as well as finding employment. Returnees identified as victims of human trafficking can also receive additional support that can be allocated to cover costs for their immediate needs, such as housing.