Philippine Ambassador to Italy Domingo P.Nolasco introduces the resource persons from the Ministry of the Interior of Italy and the International Organization for Migration, led by Vice Prefect Maria Vittoria Pontieri and Mr. Claudio Di Lorenzo respectively, for the Forum on Immigration Policies and Programs for Returning Migrants held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the chancery on 19 July 2018.
Few Filipinos in Italy Avail Themselves of Voluntary Return Program
Rome, 24 July 2018- Only a few Filipinos have so far availed themselves of the “Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration” (AVRR) program of the Italian government that is being implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
This information was given by the Italian government officials, led by Vice Prefect Maria Vittoria Pontieri of the Department for Civil Liberties and Immigration of the Ministry of the Interior, and IOM representatives at a forum organized by the PH Embassy in Rome on 19 July 2018 for the Filipino community leaders.
The AVRR program is intended for non-EU migrants in Italy who wish to return to their countries of origin for good.
Mr. Claudio Di Lorenzo, IOM’s Regional Counselor for Lazio and Miss Greta Alesandri, IOM Project Assistant for Voluntary Assisted Repatriation, informed the forum participants that a total of 653 individuals from 57 non-EU countries had availed themselves of the program in 2017, an increase of 453% from a total of 144 in 2016.
Mr. Di Lorenzo confirmed that only 11 Filipinos had taken advantage of the AVRR program since 2016.
The program is open to regular and irregular migrants in Italy, including those with medical cases, but excludes those who are citizens of any EU member state, those with criminal record and those serving jail terms for a serious crime.
It consists of a package of assistance that includes an individual interview before departure, assistance in obtaining a travel document, payment of travel costs, cash upon departure (Euro 400) and in-kind contribution (Euro 1,800-2,000) to help the beneficiary find a job and integrate in society.
Filipino individuals who wish to inquire more about AVRR program may call the IOM’s toll free number- 800 200071.
Ms. Greta Alesandri (with the microphone), project assistant for the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program of the International Organization for Migration explains the package of assistance a returning migrant beneficiary can expect from the program to the Filipino community leaders on 19 July 2018.
The Italian government’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program for non-EU migrants is generating a lot of interest from the Filipino community at least in Rome.
H.E. Domingo P. Nolasco, Philippine Ambassador to Italy, leads the Forum participants in expressing their gratitude to the resource persons from the Ministry of the Interior and the International Organization for Migration for their presentations on the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program of the Italian government on 19 July 2018
