This is the fifth publication is a series launched by the European Migration Network (EMN) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on the impact of COVID-19. The current edition explores the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on voluntary and forced return procedures and policy responses

Some key findings of the current publication include:  

• The COVID-19 pandemic curbed the ability of states - with the exception of the United States - to implement forced returns due to the travel restrictions in place and the lack of available flights;
• The European Commission adopted a guidance on the implementation of the Return Directive under COVID-19 in April 2020 adopted by some member countries;
• Travel restrictions also prompted many countries to extend the period for voluntary departure;
• Most countries covered in this Inform did not adjust the financial packages of their assisted voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR) programmes;
• Adjustments made in return procedures have been shown to increase their quality and cost-effectiveness;
• The inform also looks into measures addressing health and the right to education of children in return procedures.

Other publications in the series look into:

• how states managed residence permits and migrant unemployment during the crisis - available here;
• the pandemic's effect on international students - available here;
• maintaining labour migration in essential sectors - available here;
• the pandemic's effect on remittances - available here.

For updates, check regularly the EMN publications page and EWSI.