Return Colombia

If you are thinking about returning to your country of origin, this page about Colombia will provide you with information about what allowances are available and which organisations can help you return.

Independent return to your country of origin

Choosing to return to your country yourself is not easy. Sometimes it is difficult to return for practical reasons. For example, if you do not have the necessary travel documents.

Sometimes there are emotional reasons that make the decision to return difficult. For example, feelings of shame, failure or uncertainty about the future. Sometimes you also have to rebuild a social network in your country and search for a home and job.

If you are thinking about leaving the Netherlands, several organisations can help you return to your country of origin. Help from these organisations is free.

Allowances for returning

Basic allowance (REAN)

You will receive a basic allowance according to the REAN scheme. REAN stands for 'Return and Emigration Assistance from the Netherlands'. The REAN scheme reimburses:

Support
An airline ticket
Assistance in obtaining travel documents
€ 200 in cash for an adult and €40 for a child travelling with you. You will receive this cash at Schiphol on the day of departure.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) arranges this allowance for you. The organisation helping you return can apply to IOM for the allowance on your behalf.

Organisations that can help you in the Netherlands

VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN)

https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl

VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN) can assist you with your return. VWN can also put you in touch with a partner organisation in your country of origin.

VWN only works with partner organisations that do not work for your country's government. You can ask the organisation questions about the situation in your country. For example, about safety, work, healthcare or your family.

In the Netherlands, VWN helps you make a plan for your return. VWN also makes sure that the partner organisation is ready for you when you arrive in your country. VWN and the partner organisation can support you for up to 1 year after your arrival.

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

https://iom-nederland.nl/vrijwillige-terugkeer/wat-is-herintegratieondersteuning

IOM can help you get off to a good start after returning. Together with IOM, you can spend the REAN allowance after arriving in your country. For example, on a house, an education or starting a business. For this, IOM will put you in contact with the IOM office in your country of origin.

Repatriation & Departure Service (DT&V)

https://www.dienstterugkeerenvertrek.nl/

DT&V encourages voluntary return and considers it important that you return independently by preparing well for departure , and, where necessary, receiving reintegration support in your country of origin.

If an NGO cannot provide support or if IOM cannot arrange travel documents, help can be requested from DT&V. DT&V itself will then try to apply for a laissez-passer (LP) or replacement travel document, book a ticket or provide money for the return trip.

Cooperation organisations in country of origin

VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN) works in Colombia with a local partner organisation that works independently of the government. Our partner assists returnees (both individuals and families) in establishing a new life.

The partner organisation has extensive experience in supporting returnees from Western Europe. It can accommodate returnees at the airport, help in the search for (temporary) housing and support them in setting up a small business or finding work.

It also helps to find suitable training or education, useful contacts and networks, and refers clients to health institutions where necessary. VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN) keeps in touch with the partner organisation for up to a year after return to hear how you are doing.

The other organisations also often work with a local partner in your country of origin. Which one this is and what the partner can do for you may vary.