The “European Return Reintegration Network” (ERRIN) partners’ week Exchange programme started on 17^th June 2019 at Belgium with the Stocktaking exercise of the reintegration programme’ progress in the countries of Origin.  In total 11 countries of Return represented.  India and Nepal from Asia, Ukraine from Europe, Ghana, Gambia, Nigeria, Ethiopia Morocco from Africa and Brazil from South America, Iraq from the Middle East and Russia. Much insight to the success and challenges of the reintegration processes were highlighted by various countries of returns with some suggestions and recommendations for improving the reintegration processes.

The second day was dedicated to sharing the Reintegration Assessment Tool (RIAT) which was facilitated by FEDASIL – Federal agency for the reception of asylum seekers team from Belgium. New Tools to ease the documentation and data management of the cases referred to countries of return has been developed which is being planned to pilot initially.  The RIAT tool is yet to be finalised and feedback from the representatives of the country was shared for improvising the tools based on the ground realities.

On 19^th June 2019, the team had exposure to the reception centre of Belgium managed by the FEDASIL office. This gave an idea of how the Asylum procedures in Belgium are managed and render services to vulnerable migrants from various countries by supporting them in making an informed decision. This was followed by interaction with the European Return support Organisations (ERSO) returns counsellors and Belgian Voluntary return network.

The interaction with European Partner Institutions (EPIs) and ERSO members was held on 20^th June 2019. The input by various EPIs and ERSO members gave insight into the way each country of destination operates and the corresponding norms and procedures. This interaction was indeed appreciated as the representatives from countries of return and countries of destinations could interact in persons and share the concerns and challenges which gave a way to meaningful dialogue.  Input on policies and processes in Europe with regards to asylum and returns was very informative and useful.

The weeklong exchange deliberation ended with summing of the learning and decision with way forward and recommendations. Assessment for the programme improvement and strengthening was also initiated and Fr. Paul Moonjely, Executive Director of Caritas India gave a final word to the team. In all, there were representatives from about 20 countries.