Prepared repatriation ad social support for victims of human trafficking

Foreign nationals identified as victims of trafficking but who do not meet all of the requirements needed to acquire a residence permit in Denmark are offered a prepared repatriation to their country of origin.

The aim of prepared repatriation is, among other things, to strengthen the individual victims in attempts to prevent their eventual re-trafficking upon arrival in the country of origin.

Prepared repatriation includes the following:

  • A reflection period of up to 100 days in Denmark.
  • Opportunities for various skills-training courses and psychological, legal and social support as well as medical care.
  • Preparation of an individual action plan for reintegration in the home country, or for persons with legal residence in Denmark (EU-citizens, etc.), the implementation of activities aimed at developing an alternative livelihood here in Denmark.
  • Appointment of a contact person, who can assist and counsel the individual during proceedings in Denmark.
  • Reception in the country of origin by an organisation, including accommodation, eventual funding for future entrepreneurial endeavours, skills-training courses and education as well as psychological counselling.
  • Preparation of a reintegration plan for an alternative livelihood in the country of origin.


Elaboration of each of these services can be found below:

The Reflection Period

Foreign nationals assessed by the Danish Immigration Services as victims of trafficking are initially offered a 30-day extension of their stay (a reflection period). If the foreign national assists in the preparation of this repatriation, their stay can be further extended by up to 100 days. During the reflection period in Denmark the individual is offered various psychological, legal and social assistance as well as medical care.

Individual Action Plan

As part of the arranged repatriation, an individual action plan for the 100-day stay in Denmark is prepared collaboratively between social outreach workers and the individual. The action plan includes, among other things, information concerning victims’ desires regarding their future livelihood and the implementation of initiatives which can contribute to improving this livelihood in the country of origin.

This can include, for example, short training- or internship-courses, which aim to improve the individual’s qualifications within the field he/she wishes to support themselves by.

Appointment of a Contact Person

The Danish Centre against Human Trafficking appoints a contact person to victims of trafficking. This contact person will assist victims during their stay in Denmark, as well as inform them of the purpose of the arranged repatriation and the various services available to them during this process.

This information concerning victims’ prepared repatriation will, so far as the foreign national departs the country voluntarily, be given to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to aid in preparing the individual’s arrival in the country of origin.

Reintegration Plan and Reception in the home country

In accordance with an agreement signed by the Danish Immigration Service in March 2008, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is responsible for the preparation of reintegration plans for victims of human trafficking which voluntarily choose to return to their home country.

Reintegration plans include, among other things, reception, accommodation, eventual funding for future entrepreneurial endeavours, opportunities for educational courses and other activities in the first three months in the home country upon the individual’s arrival. After the initial three months, IOM then reports to the Danish Immigration Services regarding the progress of each case.