European Migration Network

The aim of this focus study prepared by the European Migration Network is to summarize and evaluate different methods used in Poland in order to ensure effective informing of irregular immigrants about the possibilities of return, including voluntary return and assisted voluntary return. The overall objective of this study is to identify solutions, which have been addressed to and/or have proven to be effective in reaching those irregular immigrants who have no contact with the authorities in the country of residence. However, in order to ensure comparison and wider context it will also gather information on national policy and practical actions aimed at illegally staying migrants in general.

There are still no specific legislation relating to dissemination/transfer of information on the return in Poland. The basic guidance for the people responsible for informing the foreigners about the opportunity to take advantage of the programme of voluntary return and rules concerning the dissemination of above-mentioned information have been regulated in the most important documents regarding the management of return migration in Poland. 

These are, among others, the Act on foreigners of 2013, Agreement between the Minister of Interior and Administration and International Organisation for Migration on cooperation in terms of voluntary returns of 2005, Algorithm of conduct in case of foreigners applying for assistance in voluntary return from Poland of 10 July 2014 and “Migration policy of Poland – current state and postulated actions” together with implementation plan. 

Information on voluntary return

The main aim of this study was to identify approaches that have either targeted and/or have proven effective in reaching out to those irregular migrants who are not in contact with the authorities. In order to provide a wider context, the study also gathered information on Member States’ policies and practices with regard to the dissemination of information on voluntary return more generally.

In exploring the different tools, content and format of information provision, the study provides an assessment of the extent to which these factors influence the effectiveness of uptake of voluntary return. To the extent possible, it seeks to identify practices that have proven particularly effective and the factors which made them effective. 

The specific Study’s main aims are to:

• Provide available information on the estimated scale of irregular migrant populations in the Member States and an overview of the main problems faced in disseminating information to those who are not in contact with the authorities;
• Describe national approaches to disseminating information on voluntary return to irregular migrants in general and to those not in contact with authorities, including the content of information provided;
• Describe the role that different actors in contact with an irregular migrant play in informing them about the possibilities for voluntary return;
• Provide details on tools, approaches and campaigns employed specifically to reach out to irregular migrants who are not in contact with the authorities;
• Assess general dissemination practices to inform irregular migrants about voluntary return in order to draw out good practices in disseminating information to those who are not in contact or are unknown to authorities; and
• Present evaluative findings on the effectiveness of different tools and techniques of disseminating information on voluntary return to migrants not in contact with the authorities specifically.