REINTEGRATION OF VOLUNTARY RETURNEES FROM NORWAY TO SOMALIA

Reintegration of voluntary returnees from Norway to Somalia

Project brief

Donor:	Norwegian Directorate for Immigration (UDI)
Implementing partner:	Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
Budget:	USD 516,000 for one year
Objective:	To assist 30 voluntary returnees from Norway to Somalia (Mogadishu) with reintegration support

Background and project description

The security situation in South-Central Somalia is slowly improving and Somali nationals residing abroad are increasingly considering the opportunity to return to their areas of origin in the country. The general understanding among humanitarian and government stakeholders is that, while the context in Somalia is not yet conducive for mass returns, it is nevertheless possible to successfully reintegrate limited caseloads of voluntary returnees to the more stable areas. Based on these considerations, UDI and DRC agreed to pilot a return and reintegration initiative for 30 voluntary returnees from Norway to Mogadishu. The project represents a valuable learning opportunity for all actors involved, and it will inform potential scale-up decisions. Assistance will be provided for 6 to 9 months.

Beneficiaries

The project will assist a caseload of 30 voluntary returnees who fulfil the following criteria:

·       Are Somali nationals currently residing in Norway who expressed the intention to voluntary return to Mogadishu

·       Have solid family and social networks in Mogadishu

·       Have not committed major criminal offences in Somalia or abroad

·       Have no special protection needs

Assistance

Beneficiaries would receive an assistance package comprising:

·       Cash grant upon arrival

·       Reintegration support including technical and vocational training and start-up grants

·       Additional support for the most vulnerable

Implementation

The project is a stand-alone pilot and is not part of any pre-existing repatriation framework between the Norwegian government and its Somali counterparts. The project will build on the experience of DRC in implementing livelihood and reintegration programmes throughout Somalia and particularly in Mogadishu. Implementation will adhere to applicable humanitarian and protection standards. Selected project activities would be carried out in collaboration with government institutions where appropriate.

Categories: UDI