Canada’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Pilot Program

1. Canada’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Pilot Program Regional Consultation Group on Migration Panama City, Panama December 4-6, 2012

2. Removals Programs • When a foreign national is found inadmissible under the legislation and all the various appeals and processes to remain in Canada are exhausted, she or he will be removed from Canada, through: voluntary compliance or enforced removal (escorted or non-escorted). • The CBSA has a statutory obligation to remove an inadmissible foreign national as soon as reasonably practicable.

3. Removals Programs (continued) • Removals are effected based on a risk management regime. • Highest priority cases are those involving national security, organized crime, crimes against humanity and criminality. • With the implementation of the Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act, the timely removal of failed refugee claimants by the CBSA is also a high priority. • Eligible failed refugee claimants: Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) pilot program.

4. The AVRR Pilot Program • Pilot program running from June 29, 2012 until March 31, 2015 • Open to individuals in and around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) • Administered through a partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Help for individuals who voluntarily return to their country of origin Photo by: mcaven, Creative Commons

5. A Voluntary Return • The AVRR program is premised on the voluntary participation of individuals to leave Canada. • If, at any point, an individual does not wish to participate in the AVRR program he or she can withdraw their application. • AVRR participants who withdraw their application will be referred to the CBSA’s regular removals process.

6. Guiding Principles • The IOM will strive to ensure that clients return in a manner that is anonymous – the goal is for AVRR participants to return to their country of origin as if they were a regular traveller. • The CBSA maintains the authority to determine and monitor eligibility of clients throughout the AVRR process to ensure it is not abused. The CBSA will not interfere with the return arrangements of clients (handled by the IOM) unless issues or discrepancies arise. • The CBSA and the IOM will endeavour to promote the timely departure of AVRR participants within 30 days of a negative decision by the Immigration and Refugee Board to provide them with greater flexibility to return to Canada as a visitor.

7. AVRR Returns Projection

8. First Quarter of Implementation • As of October 30, 2012: • 2248 clients were scheduled for an AVRR interview based on an initial screening • 1320 cases were determined eligible (at interview) and referred to the IOM • 952 clients have enrolled in the AVRR process • 445 clients have either failed to contact the IOM within prescribed timeframes or have declined the program after speaking with the IOM. These cases have been referred back to regular removals process. • 928 cases were deemed ineligible or were not interested in AVRR • 472 AVRR participants have departed or confirmed their departure from Canada • The top five destinations for AVRR participants are Hungary, Colombia, Mexico, Czech Republic and Israel. • The AVRR pilot program has been quite successful since its implementation, and the CBSA has furthered its strong working relationship with the IOM. • The CBSA continues to work with other government departments to implement the program in support of the overall immigration continuum.

9. The Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Process CBSA IOM Enrol and Refer Client Plan Reintegration and Assist Return Inform and Assess Eligibility Return Implement Reintegration Plan

10. Return and Reintegration Assistance • Educational and counselling assistance to develop a realistic, sustainable plan to participants realize a successful and voluntary return. • Help obtaining a travel document and plane ticket to the country of return. • One-time reintegration assistance in-kind delivered by a local service partner in the country of return (e.g. help starting a small business, education, vocational training or employment placement).

11. Who is eligible for AVRR? Eligible • Applicants must have their removal effected from the GTA. • Applicants must satisfy the parameters of voluntary compliance as defined in Section 238 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. Ineligible • Applicants who fail to complete an application for a travel document when requested by the CBSA • Applicants who failed to remain in compliance with all terms and conditions issued by the Government of Canada • Applicants with an outstanding warrant for arrest or removal by the CBSA or any law enforcement agency • Applicants reported for criminality (minor or serious) (section 36 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act) • Applicants reported as being inadmissible to Canada or found to be inadmissible on security grounds, on grounds of violating human or international rights, or on grounds of organized criminality (sections 34, 35, and 37 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act • Applicants with an outstanding application for permanent residence accompanied by a spousal sponsorship application

12. Reintegration Assistance Amount • The amount of assistance participants are eligible to receive will be partly based on what stage in the process they apply.

13. Performance Measurement • A Performance Measurement Strategy has been developed for the AVRR pilot program to assess the program’s expected outcomes. • Cost-effectiveness and timeliness of voluntary returns under the pilot will be assessed. • Sustainability of returns will be measured. • The IOM will also conduct performance measurement activities.

14. Questions? Find out more about the AVRR pilot program: • Visit www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca • Email AVRR-ARVR@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca • Call 1-800-461-9999