Holistic Reintegration with Impact: How ARRIVES Supports Returnees in Building New Futures

Coming back to Nigeria after years abroad is never a simple decision. For some, it follows many years of life in Germany. For others, it comes after receiving a decision on an asylum claim, where staying is no longer possible. Whatever the reason, return can feel uncertain and overwhelming. This is where trusted support makes all the difference.

What Is ARRIVES?

Assisting the Reintegration of Returnees through Integrated Vocational and Entrepreneurship Support (ARRIVES) is designed to help Nigerians who choose voluntary return from Germany. Co-implemented by Social Impact, IRARA and the International Trade Centre (ITC), the project is funded by the European Commission’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

There are two approaches to economic reintegration: self-employment or job placement. ARRIVES provides individualized coaching, business development support, psychosocial support and access to reintegration funding for returnees from Europe. Services are available before departure and after arrival, helping individuals plan realistically and build sustainable livelihoods. The programme offers holistic guidance before and after return, prioritizing dignity, opportunity, and long-term stability.

What Kind of Support Is Offered?

Each person’s path is unique and ARRIVES walks alongside participants to explore their goals and provide tailored support. Before departure, counsellors help returnees plan realistically for life back in Nigeria and are available throughout the entire process – from their initial business idea right through to the launch and establishment of their business in Nigeria or entering employment. This can include the following: pre-departure guidance to explore options and prepare for return; one-on-one coaching tailored to local market conditions; business start-up support through the European Reintegration Programme; and access to vocational training, housing, and psychosocial services.

Support is confidential, non-binding, and adapted to each person’s goals whether it’s launching a business or starting a new career.

A Real-Life Example: Dominic’s Journey

Across Nigeria, ARRIVES participants are writing new chapters of their lives. Some have trained for steady jobs, while others have launched small businesses in farming, retail fashion, solar sales and repair, and hair salon.

Dominic, for example, spent ten years in Germany and then came home to raise pigs. With ARRIVES’ coaching and support, he launched a pig farm in Edo State and has created jobs for others.

“Even before I left Germany, ARRIVES was already guiding me,” Dominic says. “The business coaching helped me understand the Nigerian market, test ideas, and plan realistically.” Stories like Dominic’s show how structured support can turn return into a new beginning.

Watch Dominic’s Story HERE

Deciding to return to Nigeria is never easy. With ARRIVES, it can also be the start of something new.
📧 info@arrives.eu
📱 +49 1579 2344523 or +234 70131 62619
🔗 Visit arrives.eu

Across Germany, more than 700 return counselling centres are available to provide this support. Participation in counselling is entirely voluntary and has no impact on asylum procedures or residence status.

📍 To find a counselling centre nearby and learn more, visit the information portal on voluntary return and reintegration: Country Information on Nigeria

This article is published as part of a project carried out by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and co-financed by the European Union’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).