The Nordic Countries Agree on a Joint Initiative on Reintegration and Return

The Norwegian Minister of Justice and Public Security, Emilie Enger Mehl (Center), has been to Copenhagen and discussed various topics regarding asylum and migration with her Nordic colleagues responsible for immigration, justice, and domestic matters. The meeting ended with the five Nordic ministers agreeing on three joint initiatives where the countries will cooperate more closely in the area of migration and return, according to a joint statement.

The first initiative on reintegration projects will allow Nordic migration and return attachés to coordinate and support assisted voluntary returns from Nordic countries to countries of origin in close cooperation with concerned reintegration partners.

The second initiative focuses on returning individuals who do not have a right to remain in the EU and Schengen Area to their country of origin by working towards joint Nordic return operations in collaboration with Frontex.

The third project seeks to assist IOM, as an implementing partner, in providing services to stranded irregular migrants in North Africa. They will be offered assisted voluntary return to their own countries, where reintegration will be facilitated.