LONDON - The Zimbabwe Mail can reveal that the deadline for applications for Additional Humanitarian Assistance for Returnees to Zimbabwe expired on 31st December 2009.To help meet the challenges resulting from the socio-economic situation in Zimbabwe, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been providing additional humanitarian assistance to people who wish to return home under IOM’s Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRP) – since February 2009.
This additional assistance has been available for anyone who applied for a voluntary return under the VARRP by 31st December 2009.
The Reintegration Assistance package is enhanced to include an increase in both the pre-departure relocation grant and the in-kind business assistance:
Relocation grant increased from 500 to 1000. This is given in sterling, in cash at the UK airport before departure. If returnees choose to convert the money into US Dollars there will be time before the flight to do so.
In-kind business set-up grant increased from a total of 2000 to a total of 3000. Following detailed discussions about a chosen reintegration activity with IOM Zimbabwe, 2500-worth of assistance will be available initially to obtain supplies and equipment for setting up a small business. After 6 months a review will be carried out by IOM and an additional 500-worth of in-kind assistance will be available for further investment.
If the request is made in advance in the UK, IOM Officers can meet returnees at the airport in Harare to assist them to travel within Zimbabwe.
The IOM office in Zimbabwe will make every effort to offer up-to-date information and practical advice on cholera prevention and reintegration activities. By providing two basic commodities baskets they will also do their best to help everyone to settle in at home.
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