Payments made under the facilitated returns scheme, 2009 to 2013.
Published 22 November 2013
© Crown copyright 2013
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The facilitated returns scheme (FRS) was established in October 2006 to facilitate the removal of non EEA foreign national offenders (FNO) wishing to return to their home country. Those who benefit from the scheme receive a package of reintegration assistance provided through the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to incentivise them to return to their country of origin voluntarily.
As of October 2009, those who apply for and are accepted onto FRS receive a cash payment of either £750 or £1500. If the FNO applies for FRS while serving a sentence, they will receive £1500. However, if they apply after completing their sentence, they will receive £750. On departure from the UK, FNOs removed under the scheme will initially receive the sum of £500 on a pre-paid card which is for use on arrival in their home country.
Within a month of the individuals’ return, they need to contact the IOM in order to obtain the remainder of the money whether it be £1000 or £250. In order to receive the money from the Home Office, individuals need to provide evidence of what it will be spent on, such as accommodation, setting up a business or medical costs. Please note that prior to October 2009, payments were not made directly to FNOs and reintegration assistance was managed by a third party organization.
| Financial Year | Total Amount Paid (£) | FNOs Removed under FRS |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 -10 | 514,402.00 | 2025 |
| 2010 -11 | 1,339,848.00 | 2538 |
| 2011 - 12 | 2,090,179.00 | 1742 |
| 2012 - 13 | 2,102,956.00 | 1663 |
| TOTAL £ | 6,047,385.00 | 7968 |
Although the amounts paid in 2011/12 and 2012/13 are higher than in 2010/11, this is in part the result of previously higher FRS amounts filtering through the system coupled with regular data matching exercises with the IOM.