Investing in Guidance for Migrants with Departure Orders is Valuable

The return issue of third-country nationals in the European Union who have received a return decision receives much political and social attention. Assisted return is preferred over forced return. This form of return is more dignified, less costly, and logistically simpler. On behalf of the WODC, MPI Europe investigated the role that guidance and reintegration support play in the decision-making process of third-country nationals to leave or stay in the Netherlands. 

Nearly 118,000 files submitted

As an organization, we strive to structurally embed knowledge in daily work. Independent scientific research is essential and forms an important basis for effective and careful policy. DTenV fully cooperated with the research conducted by MPI Europe on behalf of the Scientific Research and Documentation Centre (WODC). For this, we submitted nearly 118,000 files to the research team for analysis. This provides insight into the decision-making process among migrants who have received a departure order, particularly regarding the role of reintegration support and guidance. Additionally, dozens of interviews were held with experts from the field in the Netherlands and abroad. Researchers also spoke with Iraqi and Nigerian migrants who returned to their country of origin after a departure order.
 

Providing clarity and reducing vulnerability

The findings show that conditions in the country of origin, family ties, and social networks play a major role in return decisions. At the same time, guidance and reintegration support can make a difference by providing clarity, reducing vulnerability, and better facilitating return.

During the DTenV Science Event in spring 2025, attendees already got a first glimpse of the preliminary results of this research. The full report ‘Leaving or Staying?’ is available on the WODC website.