Guidance

Model national programme AMIF (accessible version)

Updated 8 February 2022

Identification of the designated authorities

Competent authorities responsible for the management and control systems

Authority	Name of the authority	Name of the person responsible for the authority	Address	E-mail address	Date of designation	Activities delegated
Responsible authority	UK EU Funding Team and Responsible Authority	Claire Rainey	7th Floor, Southern House, Wellesley Grove, Croydon, CR0 1XG	[email protected]	11-Dec-2014
Audit authority	Government Internal Audit Agency	Jane George	Government Internal Audit Agency, LG13-15, 1 Horse Guards Road, London SW1A 2HQ	[email protected]

Management and control system

In line with Article 14(2)(g) of Regulation (EU) No 514/2014 and Implementation Regulation (EU) No 1042/2014 the UK will be modelling the MCS on best practice established under SOLID. The UK has taken the opportunity of the new funding programme to review and overhaul any areas of the MCS we believe can be improved. Priorities are:

• The introduction of simplified and flat rate costs;
• More focused targeting of local specific calls for proposals;
• Streamlining the assessment process for selecting projects for funding;
• Coordinating and strengthening financial and performance monitoring to reflect the new reporting requirements; and,
• Where possible, complementarity and sharing of processes and eligibility rules with other EU funding streams, especially ESF.

CCI	2014UK65AMNP001
Title	United Kingdom National Programme AMIF
Version	5.1
First Year	2014
Last Year	2020
Eligible From	01-Jan-2014
EC Decision Number	C(2018)8311
EC Decision Date	11-Dec-2018

1. Executive Summary

The UK National Programme (NP) will prioritise on the following aims and objectives:

• Maintain and widen the voluntary and sustainable removal initiatives used by the UK;
• Protecting some of the world’s most vulnerable refugees by resettling them in the UK;
• Be a EU leader in integration and migration initiatives;
• Continue to improve and maintain the UK’s reputation as a Ieader in asylum application procedures; and
• Proactively support national and international initiatives for joint cooperation between EU Member States.

Asylum: the UK will utilise the funds to help those in genuine need of protection, to build capacity in our asylum systems and procedures and to continue to demonstrate best practice. National Priorities will focus on:

• Up to 27,800 individuals assisted by enhanced support services and social assistance provision,
• Train up to 500 staff on raising awareness of the asylum procedures;
• Research and partnership consultation to capture developing trends and to respond to changing situations during the funding cycle; and
• Pre-departure measures as part of our resettlement commitments.

Example of types of initiatives include:

• Focus on services relating to providing bespoke end-to-end support and guidance and appointing individual caseworkers to children and other vulnerable groups throughout the asylum process;
• Increased support for interpretation and translation services;
• Pre-arrival assessment, selection and medical screening for potential resettlement refugees.

The UK will allocate 20%, representing €74.1m of available AMIF funds to this Specific Objective (SO). The UK allocates £277m per annum to asylum related activities.

Legal Migration and Integration: the UK aims to use the funds flexibly to support initiatives under the Localism Agenda to enhance the integration process for Third Country Nationals (TCNs), beneficiaries of international protection, including resettled persons and encourage the involvement of the host society in the integration process.

The UK aim to support 1,000 individuals on pre-departure and 42,000 in-country interventions. National Priorities will focus on:

• Language;
• Basic life skills;
• Host society engagement and civic orientation will be of particular focus to aid this process and increase employability;
• Working with the 9 Regional Strategic Migration Partnerships (SMP) to enhance this process;
• Additionally, it is our intention to continue supporting pre-departure initiatives.
• Post arrival measures as part the of UK resettlement commitments.

Example of types of initiatives include:

• Preliminary localised needs assessment analysis to establish the actual needs in each region;

• Language and Cultural courses, focusing on shared UK values;

• Support up to 6,590 resettled refugees via a bespoke 12 month integration package providing enhanced and comprehensive integration support.

The UK will allocate 20%, representing €74.1m of our AMIF allocation to this SO. No central financial data is held on integration allocation per annum.

Returns: the UK national strategy will focus on voluntary returns (up to 110,000 persons) as the preferred option; however this will be underpinned by enforced returns strategies (up to 79,000 persons). This is to preserve the integrity of immigration control. National Priorities of particular focus will be:

• Accompanying measures to removal;
• Continued commitment to strengthening pre-departure and accompanying returns measures;
• Returns initiatives encompassing voluntary, enforced and related measures and initiatives;
• Practical co-operation and capacity building and joint working with other member states in returns services.
• Expansion of funding for returns actions, including initiatives and programmes focusing specifically on vulnerable groups, family returns, welfare provision and social assistance.

Example of types of initiatives include:

• Continued focus on AVR and enforced removals, including charter flights
• New ways to support detainees to accept the removal process, including counselling;
• Early intervention to encourage voluntary removal, including issuing text messages, telephone calls and other media immediately upon the right to remain in the UK expiring;

The UK will allocate €200.8m, representing 54.2% of our AMIF allocation to this Specific Objective. The UK allocates £485m per annum to return related activities.

At this time, there are no plans for the UK to undertake projects involving the transfer of applicants for and/or beneficiaries of international protection.

In terms of the monitoring and evaluation of the NP, the UK will set up a Monitoring Committee (MC) comprising representatives of national/local government and relevant NGOs similar to those involved in the Apportionment and Selection Board which operated under SOLID funding. The MC will meet half yearly and assess the utilisation of funds in terms of finance, project performance, RA performance, financial and implementation report preparation.

2. Baseline situation in the Member State

Summary of the current state of play as of December 2013 in the Member State for the fields relevant to the Fund

Asylum

While not part of the recast Asylum Directives we remain bound by the first phase of the CEAS. Our practices are broadly in line with the recast Directives and Regulations for AMIF.

Under SOLID the UK limited EU Funds in the field of reception/asylum processes as these actions were financed by central government. The UK’s national budget for asylum related activities is £277m for 2014- 2015.

There were 23,507 asylum applications in 2013, a rise of 1,664 (+8%) compared to 2012. This is only 28% of the 2002 peak in applications (84,132). Approximately 10% of asylum seekers claim at port on arrival, the rest claiming in-country, 50% presenting themselves to authorities, and 40% claiming asylum following arrest. Current statistics indicate 80% of claimants are based in London and South East of England.

The UK has a single point of claim centre in Croydon and priority will be given to raising the awareness of this. All claimants are directed to the centre for screening including fingerprinting. There are 6 asylum casework centres in the UK for non-detained cases. Applicants are allocated a caseworker throughout the asylum process. Specially trained caseworkers are assigned claims by vulnerable groups such as children.

The UK does not operate reception centres. Housing for those seeking asylum is assessed on a case by case basis. The UK has contracts with private partners to provide accommodation for asylum seekers, if required, in various UK locations.

The UK is committed to concluding the asylum application within 6 months. An initial decision is to be made within the first 2 months with any appeal process lasting up to 4 months, quicker in the case of vulnerable groups.

In 2013, initial decisions on asylum applications, made within 6 months increased by 5% to 17,647. While the UK have managed to increase the number of initial decisions made we will continue to seek further improvements, including reviewing current processes for older live asylum cases and removing administrative obstacles for accessing asylum support.

Of these decisions, 37% (6,542) were grants of asylum, subsidiary protection or another type of grant. There are multiple levels of scrutiny of the UK asylum systems and processes including judicial scrutiny, the Home Affairs Committee, UNHCR, Amnesty International and the Independent Chief Inspector. Supplementing this, the UK has a quality auditing system, assessing the process including internal and external sampling of the quality of decisions.

In 2013 23,459 people received asylum support. Support can encompass accommodation, social assistance, support to attend asylum interviews, appeals, reporting and bail hearings. Steps have been taken to enhance the identification and support for persons with special procedural needs in particular those identified as vulnerable, ensuring they are provided with the correct information to boost understanding and compliance with the process, such as the implementation of the dedicated minors, mothers and babies team. Processes are in place to accelerate submission and consideration of claims for asylum support. The UK is developing methods to capture information on asylum applicants that will simplify the process and remove delays such as developing the use of interim support tokens to assist asylum applicants financially.

The UK operates a Detained Fast Track (DFT) system based in 2 centres, one for female detainees, the other males. The centres are operated by private partners. This process takes 20% (circa 4,700) of the asylum intake.

The DFT will only accept single men and women subject to specified criteria. The DFT process takes 20 days end-to-end and suitability for detention is continuously reviewed. Approximately 15% of those entering the process in 2012 were released prior to the end of the asylum process. Claimants are only accepted into the process where a simple, quick decision can be made, and where there is an ability to remove a claimant should the claim be refused.

95% of asylum decisions under the DFT are upheld by the independent judiciary. The UK considers that the DFT process is a necessary part of an effective and fair asylum system and despite known criticisms, is highly defensible in its current form.

To meet the challenges we face, the UK has taken on board the recommendations of Amnesty International and UNCHR with regards to our asylum process and has issued new guidance to those considering asylum cases in respect of when it is safe to consider returns. Under AMIF, the UK will continue to improve systems and processes by way of improved staff training, reformed country of origin information and collaboration with the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) to improve decision quality; and continued independent scrutiny and quality auditing of our systems to ensure fairness and transparency in decision making.

The UK’s Resettlement Programme, co-funded using European Refugee Fund (ERF) since 2008 resettles 750 persons per annum, a figure that is set to continue under AMIF. The Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme (VPRS) aims to resettle a further 500 persons 2014-16.

Legal Migration

As the UK has no centralised integration strategy it is not possible to provide a defined amount of funding allocated to integration each year.

Net migration for year ending March 2014 was 214,000. The latest estimates (published on 28 August 2014) show that non-EU migration to the UK was 265,000 up from 246,000 in the previous year. Net migration of non-EU citizens was 162,000 for the year ending March 2014 compared to 145,000 in the previous year.

Responsibility for integration in the UK is shared, between the Home Office (HO), Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), Devolved Administrations and Local Authorities. Having no single lead for integration is challenging. We do not measure, baseline administrative capacity

As reflected in the Localism Act 2011 the UK believes local communities know their own needs best. In a move away from a top-down approach, it is now for Local Authorities and Devolved Administrations to determine local priorities and implement appropriate integration strategies. This is referred to as the Localism Agenda.

Improvements in marketing, increased numbers of calls for proposals and greater targeting of the Devolved Administrations and Local Authorities has resulted in greater utilisation of EIF funds in later programme years. In AP2011, 8,397 persons were assisted through integration measures utilising SOLID Funds.

There is concern among the UK population of the impact of inward migration, despite this, individually the perception and engagement between TCNs and the receiving society is usually positive. Initiatives which encourage the interaction between TCNs and the host society in the integration process will enhance the understanding and appreciation of migration related issues. The Localism Agenda, engaging with communities and utilising the HO supported network of SMPs (comprising of national and local Government officials, NGOs and charities) will aid this process.

In England, DCLG is tackling integration by responding to key issues such as prejudice, or limited opportunity to participate in society.

Five core themes guide work on integration:

• Emphasising common ground between people and communities;
• Mutual responsibility;
• Encouraging empowerment and participation in communities;
• Increasing social mobility and opportunities for everyone to get on in society; and
• Combating all forms of intolerance and extremism.

The localism agenda, together with these themes, underpins the UK strategy for the AMIF programme.

Pre-departure initiatives can play a valuable role in helping prospective TCNs prepare for life in the UK. Under European Fund for the Integration of Third Country Nationals (EIF) Annual Programme (AP) 2011, 391 persons participated in pre-departure measures. The UK will continue to support pre-departure language and orientation programmes under AMIF.

The UK believes that the key to successful integration is the ability to communicate with the wider community. The EIF AP2011 supported 7,915 persons to access English as a Second or other Language (ESOL) training. Voluntary and community based groups can play a valuable role in helping individuals improve their English and prepare for the Life in the UK test (necessary for those seeking settlement and naturalisation as British Citizens) and we welcome their involvement. We seek to build on the success of English language programmes which use volunteers to support those most isolated through their lack of English. This has the additional benefit of encouraging interaction between communities and developing a better understanding and appreciation of migration in the established community.

Integration in terms of pre-employment measures has been challenging due to the economic downturn, however the UK will continue to support basic skills initiatives such as language, numeracy and IT skills in order to better prepare TCN’s to progress into employment and liaise with the Managing Authority for the ESF to ensure complementarity of the funds.

The inclusion of beneficiaries of international protection and TCNs under this category is welcomed and it will increase the utilisation of funds earmarked for integration measures. The UK recognises that the needs of international protection are different from those who voluntarily migrate to the UK. A priority is ensuring that persons recognised as beneficiaries of international protection are appropriately supported. We will therefore take steps to address this situation and to ensure that funding is utilised to support beneficiaries of international protection wishing to learn English and to progress into employment.

Moving the post arrival aspects of resettlement programmes into the integration section of AMIF also means the UK will seek to utilise funding to continue to support the integration of some of the most vulnerable people. The HO does not lead on integration policy therefore provides no Government funding for integration.

Returns

The UK’s national budget for returns related activities is £485m for 2014-2015. During 2013 49,325 individuals left the UK. Of this 11,339 were enforced removals (15% Pakistan, 11% India), and 37,986 voluntary returns (23% India, 12% Pakistan). This is an increase in voluntary returns and a decrease in enforced returns on the previous 4 years. Enforced returns represented 23% of total removals from the UK in 2013. It represents the largest removal programme in the EU. While the UK opted-out of the Returns Directive, our practices are broadly in line with the prescriptions of the Directive.

Voluntary returns will be paramount to delivering the UK National Programme. The UK will fund a wide range of assisted voluntary return initiatives, including the UK Assisted Voluntary Return Programme (AVR), Facilitated Return Scheme for Foreign Prisoners (FRS) and public/private initiatives ensuring those whose visa are due to expire leave the UK at the end of their legal stay.

Since 1999 AVR has been the UK’s preferred option for removals; in 2013 4,284 took this option. The financial reintegration package offered has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of the UK. The key challenges have been adapting the programme to meet changing migration patterns and ensuring AVR is communicated throughout TCN communities to assist individuals to make informed decisions.

AVR performance is impacted by fluctuating intake and business need and it is difficult to predict with certainty what future targets and performance may be. The UK will be exploring all options in ensuring a coordinated and sustainable voluntary returns programme including the appropriate use of reintegration measures as a key component and will seek to extend the programme to include irregular TCN’s.

The UK is challenged with removing persons who do not have the right to remain and reluctant to leave voluntarily. Establishing a person’s nationality and identity is our biggest challenge. Effective cooperation with the country of origin is essential to agree documentation arrangements and method of return. Our travel documentation performance is reliant on maintaining diplomatic returns relationships with Embassies and High Commissions. This requires ongoing work by both the HO and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Travel documentation performance is also impacted by fluctuating intake and business needs. Under AMIF we will seek to build capacity and share expertise in the field of re-documentation and family tracing and will enhance cooperation with consular authorities and immigration services of third countries.

Enforced removal programmes are essential to preserving the integrity of immigration control. Charter flights demonstrate the HO’s determination to return even the most difficult cases. They are used to augment returns on scheduled services, providing a cost effective means to deliver volume removals to countries where asylum intake is high. In the 12 months to 31/03/14 the UK operated 48 flights; with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria being 3 main destinations. This will remain a core priority.

The UK welcome the opportunity AMIF provides to expand upon those eligible to receive funding to ensure dignified removal actions, introducing engagement with partners to support the welfare of families and children during the removal process.

Underpinning our removal strategies and procedures will be a review of staff training requirements, for those responsible in the removal process. Training will be identified and delivered to ensure the UK maintains high standards in dealing with those who no longer have the right to remain within the EU borders.

The UK is committed to joint returns and practical cooperation between MS and will continue to seek out opportunities and to share expertise and best practice during AMIF.

3. Programme objectives

Specific objective 1 - Asylum

The UK’s national strategy under this Specific Objective (SO) is to explore opportunities to further develop our reception and asylum systems and build capacity in line with our national asylum policies and procedures. While the UK has opted out of the recast Asylum Directives, we remain bound by the measures in the first phase of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) and are committed to working within the spirit of these measures. The UK has opted into the recast Dublin and Eurodac Regulations. The sums available under this SO will augment the UK annual domestic asylum budget of £277m.

The UK will seek to fund schemes aimed at raising awareness of the single point of claim, social assistance and support advice available, particularly in relation to translation and interpretation of the asylum system and support. We will explore alternative ways to enhance the identification and support for those with special procedural needs, including assisting those identified as vulnerable.

To complement this, the UK will continue its commitment to continuous improvement and training of staff with regards to asylum procedures and decision making, including the assessment of quality decision making standards. It is envisaged AMIF funds could be used to facilitate this; along with pilot projects to reform the country of origin information and increased collaboration with EASO to aid the decision making process.

The UK will seek to allocate funds to the DFT to further improve the services already provided; these may include evaluation of the processes, including the screening procedure, provide social assistance to detainees and staff training.

The UK is committed to sharing best practice and country of origin information knowledge. Building on our successful and long history of publishing country of origin information knowledge based reports, the UK will continue to fund information gathering missions and joint collaboration work with other Member States to ensure the most accurate and timely information is available for those making asylum decisions.

The UK will seek to develop contingency plans on how to deal with volatility in Asylum intake in the coming years, and to explore new and innovative methods to improve the asylum processes.

Resettling refugees will continue to be a focal point for the utilisation of EU funds.

Whilst the activities outlined above are not an exhaustive list, they provide the foundation of how the UK aims to utilise AMIF funds in order to achieve the desired outcome of helping those genuinely in need of protection along with building capacity in our asylum systems and procedures and continuing to demonstrate best practice.

The target is to train 3,500 people, equal to 95% of asylum staff, to provide a comprehensive service for all asylum seekers in the UK.

National objective 1 - Reception/asylum

In relation to reception and asylum systems the UK will predominately focus on the actions below:

• Facilitation of the access to the asylum procedure, including developing better access to the asylum procedure for vulnerable groups. Particular focus will be given to ensuring unaccompanied minors receive a holistic approach to their support throughout the asylum process. The Children’s Advisory Panel will provide complete end to end support for all legal and social support during the asylum process; Setting up and improvement of administrative structures, systems and training for staff and relevant authorities to ensure effective and easy access to an efficient and high-quality asylum process for asylum seekers, in particular where necessary, to support development in the EU Acquis;
• Provision of social assistance, information or help with administrative and/or judicial formalities and information or counselling on the possible outcomes of the asylum procedure, including on aspects such as return procedures;
• Identification of vulnerable groups and specific assistance for vulnerable persons; including those who may not be able to travel;.
• Improvement and maintenance of existing accommodation infrastructure and services;
• Review, strengthen and improve administrative structures and systems;

The main areas of activity to be addressed with EU funds are:

• Projects which provide support services, social assistance and information to asylum seekers throughout the asylum process in particular those identified as belonging to a vulnerable group.
• Innovative pilot projects in response to any potential developing and changing situations. The UK will take the same position in funding innovative pilot projects, whereby we balance funding pilot initiatives with a view to taking forward operational and policy development needs;
• Training of staff in asylum procedures including decision making and credibility assessments to assist in further development and improving internationally recognised best practice in asylum assessment. This is to include DFT as well as the regular asylum intake.

Potential pilots may include:

• Enhanced information and social assistance to detainees awaiting an asylum decision;
• Piloting local initiatives to support vulnerable groups, such as single mother’s seeking international protection;
• Additional training to staff on cultural sensitivities when assessing asylum applications.

It is anticipated that the UK may allocate in the region of €59m to activities under this National Priority.

National objective 2 - Evaluation

The UK will explore potential funding initiatives to develop, monitor and evaluate our asylum policies and procedures under AMIF. Note all these actions will take account of Eurostat and the Early Warning and Preparedness System data criteria. As such, we will seek to focus on:

• Actions enhancing the capacity of the UK – including in relation to the mechanism for early warning, preparedness and crisis management, established in the current and new Dublin Regulations - to collect, analyse and disseminate qualitative and quantitative data and statistics on asylum procedures, reception capacities, resettlement and the transfer of applicants for and/or beneficiaries of international protection from one MS to another;
• Actions enhancing the capacity of the UK to collect, analyse and disseminate country of origin information;
• Actions directly contributing to the evaluation of asylum policies, such as national impact assessments, surveys amongst target groups and other relevant stakeholders, the development of indicators and benchmarking.

As necessary the UK will review and reassess the main areas of activity to ensure they remain priority.

The main areas of activity to be addressed with EU funds are:

• Research and impact measurement on systems to develop a more strategic and cross cutting approach to capturing the developing trends and issues relating to asylum policies and procedures;
• Partnership consultation and commissioning of research programmes to review existing and potential developments in the asylum procedure in the UK;
• Support in line with EASO and Country of Origin Information.

It is anticipated that the UK may allocate in the region of €5m under this National Priority.

National objective 3 - Resettlement

The UK’s Gateway Refugee Resettlement Programme demonstrates its commitment to supporting UNHCR’s global efforts to provide durable solutions for some of the world’s most vulnerable refugees by resettling 750 refugees per year in the UK.

The UK VPRS provides humanitarian admission to Syrian nationals identified by UNHCR as being particularly vulnerable, by relocating 500 people to the UK in 2014-16. The status afforded to all 500 individuals resettled under the VPRS, and the processes used to do so, categorically meet the definition of resettlement as set out in Article 2(a). These individuals will receive exactly the same rights and benefits they would receive if they were granted refugee status in the UK. There are no additional benefits conferred by refugee status that beneficiaries of VPRS do not receive. For further detail please refer to our letter of 28 April 2014 on this matter from Rob Jones, Head of Asylum Policy to Stephanie Hardy.

Please note the UK will deliver the same operational objectives and support for both the established Gateway Refugee Resettlement Programme and the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme.

It is anticipated that the UK could resettle up to 2,340 individuals in 2014 and 2015 period. This includes the 1,500 (2 x 750) pledged refugees for the resettlement programmes for 2014 and 2015, the 500 Syrians under VPRS and potentially up to 340 further resettlement spaces.

Actions of particular interest to the UK are:

• Assessment of potential resettlement cases and/or cases of other humanitarian admission by the competent Member States’ authorities, such as conducting missions to the third country, interviews, medical and security screening;
• Pre-departure health assessment and medical treatment, pre-departure material provisions, pre-departure orientation and travel arrangements, including the provision of medical escort services;
• Information and assistance upon arrival or shortly thereafter, including interpretation services;

The main areas of activity to be address with EU funds are:

• Gateway Refugee Resettlement Programme and other resettlement initiatives.
• Other humanitarian programmes such as the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Scheme.

In addition to an anticipated €7.5m per annum from the pledging resettlement amount, it is anticipated that the UK will allocate a further commitment in the region of €10m under this National Priority.

Specific action 1 - Transit centres

Specific action 2 - Access to asylum

Specific objective 2 - Integration/legal migration

The UK intends to use funds under SO2 to:

• Literacy, numeracy and IT skills training;
• Social and cultural orientation packages;
• Engagement with the host society to allow TCNs to adjust to norms and values of UK society; and
• Exploring avenues to access the labour market (in complementarity with ESF).

Since 2011 the UK has not had a single nationwide strategy for integration and it is for local areas to identify and formulate their own integration strategies via Strategic Migration Partnerships (SMP’s). An increase in refugee numbers, including the aim to bring 20 000 Syrians to the UK by 2020, since this programme was drafted has meant an additional focus on integration of refugees. It was agreed in the mid-term review and an additional €10m be moved from SO3 to SO2 for this purpose.

SMPs, regional bodies comprising of national, local government, NGO’s and charities, provide at a regional level a strategy overview of what the integration and migration priorities are. As these bodies already provide a regional service the RA believes they are best suited to assist in recommending what type of activities are funded at the local level. The target is for each region to have, where appropriate, an integration strategy to meet its needs.

The UK will focus on English language, self empowerment and providing the opportunities to meet and interact with the differing diaspora that represent modern Britain. Most of the funding available will address removing the main barriers to integration and isolation, actively working with the host society, and assisting individuals into employment.

The UK aims to use AMIF funds in order to meet the needs identified in particular communities and localities, in particular looking at how to assist in areas where refugees have been resettled where there is no history of support. We will continue to engage with NGO’s and communities as the programme evolves. The UK believes that the best approach to integration is to continue to support initiatives concerned with developing positive interactions between migrants and the receiving society in order to ensure better community cohesion over the longer term. This may include measures to counter radicalisation and supporting the counter terrorism programme.

The UK will provide integration support for beneficiaries of international protection and resettled persons arriving under various Resettlement Programmes. In line with the Policy Dialogue (PD), the UK will seek to build on the well established wraparound service provided to all such persons for the first 12 months after arrival. The UK will also look at how this type of support can be provided to refugees not arriving through resettlement routes and trialling pilot exercises to support them.

Additional funding from the EC of €21 in 2017, and €4.6m in 2018 will be utilised under NO2 to assist in providing comprehensive support to resettled refugees.

National objective 1 - Legal migration

The UK had anticipated allocating in the region of €3m-€6m for this NO, however due to audit difficulties in terms of evidencing expenditure and outputs under the previous SOLID programme it is no longer intended to undertake activities under this NO. The funds will instead be allocated to NO3.

National objective 2 - Integration

The UK does not have a coordinated national integration strategy, it is for regions to identify and formulate their own strategies. The UK will look to cover:

• Advice and assistance in areas such as housing, means of subsistence, administrative and legal guidance, medical, psychological and social care, childcare and family reunification;
• Actions introducing TCNs to the receiving society enabling them to adapt to it, to inform them of their rights and obligations, to participate in civil and cultural life and to share the values enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU;
• Measures focusing on education and training, including language training and preparatory actions to facilitate access to the labour market;
• Actions designed to promote self-empowerment enabling TCNs to provide for themselves;
• Promotion of meaningful contact and constructive dialogue between TCNs and receiving society;
• Capacity building of beneficiaries, as defined in Article 2(g) of the HR, including through exchange of experience and good practices, and networking.

The UK will focus a significant amount of Integration funding on EU priorities such as the integration of resettled refugees. Note the resettlement programme has an extensive and extended integration package. This will be countered by the fact that the localism agenda receives funding from several alternative local funding sources, such as local authorities and charitable organisations.

The main areas of activities to be addressed with EU funds are:

• The Refugee Resettlement post-arrival support service including accommodation, casework and statutory service provision;
• Initiatives promoting language support, orientation and basic skills training to facilitate early access to the labour market for beneficiaries of international protection and TCNs;
• Initiatives to promote host society involvement in the integration process;
• SMPs and actions promoting the Localism Agenda.

It is anticipated the UK will allocate somewhere in the region of €60m to actions under this NO.

With additional funding of €21m available in 2017, and €4.6m in 2018 the UK will undertake measures implementing the EU Action Plan on the integration of TCNs, in particular those carried those carried out by civil society organisations and regional and local authorities in the context of comprehensive integration strategies. Such measures would notably promote an integrated approach to the integration of TCNs, including through enhancing the cooperation between relevant actors.

Further to this to allow for support, along the lines stated above, for resettled Syrian cases of 20 000 people by 2020 the UK agreed in the AMIF mid-term review to re-allocate €10m from SO3 to SO2.

National objective 3 - Capacity

The UK is well placed to build further upon current integration activities whilst investigating opportunities to promote and reinforce practical cooperation between authorities at the EU level. Following the mid-terms review, the UK decided not to implement activities under NO1, which allows for an additional €3-6m to be used under this NO.

Under NO3, the UK’s main interest are in the following actions:

• Actions to promote and reinforce the practical cooperation between the relevant authorities of the UK, with a focus, on exchange of information, best practices and strategies and developing and implementing joint actions including with a view to safeguarding the integrity of the immigration systems of the UK.
• The UK will look at how to fund methods of monitoring and evaluating integration, reviewing pilot projects with a view to mainstreaming of innovative pilot projects funded under NO2.
• The UK will focus funding on initiatives encouraging exchange of information and best practice between authorities.

Specific action 3 - Joint initiatives

Specific action 4 - Unaccompanied minors

Specific action 8 - Legal migration

Specific objective 3 - Return

The UK’s national strategy under SO3 is to focus on voluntary returns as the preferred returns option; however this will be underpinned by an enforced returns strategy in order to preserve the integrity of immigration control. EU Funds will continue to be a key resource, particularly in relation to the larger returns initiatives. While the UK does not participate in the EU Returns Directive, our practices on the return of irregular TCNs are broadly in line with the prescriptions of the Directive and this will continue under AMIF.

The UK will explore options which seek to expand our voluntary returns programme to include irregular migrants, along with enhancing the promotion of the programme with the aim to continue the trend of increasing the uptake of voluntary departures over that of enforced returns. We are also committed to sharing expertise with other MS in order to enhance the success and sustainability of voluntary removal schemes.

The UK will continue to strengthen pre-departure measures, piloting and introduce new initiatives providing specific assistance for vulnerable persons, including welfare and counselling support.

Although the landscape for returns is constantly changing and MS must adapt to emerging trends, the UK has already identified the following areas to supplement our traditional EU Funding activities:

• Improvements to staff training in returns procedures;
• Increased documentation and consular engagement funding;
• Bespoke casework returns programmes to ensure compliance to immigration rules;
• Establishing a designated family removal team working with families throughout the removal process;
• Increased marketing of AVR and other voluntary departures including incentives linking into community engagement.
• Explore options to develop indicators and measurement toolkits.

In support of the UK’s enforced removals programme, the UK will continue to develop our national charter flights programme and are committed to continuing to build capacity and sharing expertise with other MS in the field of joint returns operations.

In addition, the UK will seek to pilot reintegration and capacity building initiatives and use EU funds to explore other options.

A new initiative in relation to capacity building measures which the UK is keen to explore is in relation to impact research and baseline analysis on returns actions.

The target is to provide training on returns to 650 people, 36% of the returns staff in the UK.

These examples provide the foundation of how the UK aims to utilise the AMIF funds in order to achieve the desired outcome of increasing returns, capacity working and sharing expertise with other MS.

Following the additional allocations from the EC of €19m in 2017 and €3.1m in 2018, the UK decided in the mid-term review to re-allocate €10m from this SO to SO2 to support increased refugee numbers

National objective 1 - Accompanying measures

The UK is committed to strengthening pre-departure and accompanying returns measures in order to build capacity and support our effective returns procedures. Under this NO, the UK will prioritise the following:

• Provision of social assistance, information or help with administrative and/or judicial formalities and information or counselling;
• Specific assistance for vulnerable persons;
• Establishment, maintenance and improvement of accommodation, reception or detention infrastructure, services and conditions; and
• Training of staff to ensure smooth and effective return procedures, including their management and implementation.

The main areas of activity to be addressed with EU funds are:

• Training of staff in relation to returns procedures including welfare, cultural awareness and support services;
• Up-skilling training, counselling and welfare support for detainees, including special assistance for those identified as vulnerable;
• Procedural information for detainees;
• Improvement of removals infrastructure, services and conditions;

Specific examples include:

• The establishment of a centralised Voluntary Departure Service provides a unique opportunity for the Home Office and private partners to develop a compliance orientated return mechanism. We aim to deliver unprecedented volumes of departures and provide a service which is focused on a wider platform of assistance and engagement with those people who wish to return home. By working together and focusing on individuals whose leave is about to expire we can better understand how social cohesion and economic factors can influence migration.
• Currently welfare provision across the detention estate is piecemeal and inconsistent. While His Majesty’s independent Inspector of Prisons, who hold the responsibility for all detention facilities within the UK, regularly visit and report their findings on detention conditions it is the UK opinion systems can always be improved. The proposal is to increase welfare provision by increasing the number of dedicated staff within the Immigration Removal Centres whose role is to provide support to the detainees. These roles would include:
• Welfare provision at the earliest opportunity
• Improve detainee well-being
• Provide a safe environment
• Work with detainees to come to an informed decision about voluntarily leaving the UK
• Reduce average length of stay in detention
• By ensuring consistency across all detention facilities.

It is anticipated that the UK will allocate in the region of €5m to actions under this National Priority.

National objective 2 - Return measures

The UK will always seek to actively pursue voluntary returns in the first instance, but this will be underpinned by an enforced returns programme. Re-documentation of TCNs and cooperation with consular authorities is vital to both these initiatives. The UK will seek to focus on the actions below:

• Measures necessary for the preparation of return operations, such as those leading to the identification of TCNs, issuing of travel documents and family tracing;
• Cooperation with consular authorities and immigration services of third countries with a view to obtaining travel documents, facilitating repatriation and ensuring readmission;
• Assisted voluntary return measures, including medical examinations and assistance, travel arrangements, financial contributions, pre and post return counselling and assistance;
• Enforced removal operations, in accordance with the standards set in EU law, with the exception of coercive equipment.

Specific concrete examples include:

• Assisted Voluntary Return and other voluntary returns initiatives;
• Other returns initiatives and related measures including Charter flights, including working with other MS;
• Initiatives focusing on measures for the preparation of returns operations. Cooperation with the consular authorities and immigration services of third countries with a view to obtaining travel documents, facilitating repatriation and ensuring readmission, this may include funding locally engaged staff overseas.
• Re-documentation and Family tracing initiatives, including cooperation with consular authorities and immigration services of third countries to aid this process. Any potential information sharing around this action will benefit our EU partners and provide added EU value.
• Support for Cedars, a family removal initiative providing welfare and support services. The facility has nine self-contained apartments for a maximum of 44 people. There are a further two apartments which can be used for families who require additional support or who have other special needs.

Approximately 5 returns operations per annum will be monitored independently.

It is anticipated that the UK will allocate in the region of €180m to actions under this National Priority. It is anticipated approximately €100m will be allocated to voluntary returns and €80m for enforcement actions. This figure was reduced by €10m following the mid-term review and re-allocated to SO2.

With additional funding of €22.1m made available to the UK in 2017/18 it is intended that the UK will undertake measures implementing the EU Action Plan on return and possible follow-ups to the plan on return aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the EU system to return irregular migrants that are developed and implemented in/through innovative cooperation with other Member States.

National objective 3 - Cooperation

The UK have a long and proud history of cooperative working with EU partners and will continue to work closely with EU partners in relation to our returns operations, exchanging information, operational capacity and expertise to ensure best practice.

Under this National Objective, the UK intends to primarily focus on these actions:

• Actions to promote, develop and reinforce the operational cooperation and information exchange between the return services and other authorities of MS involved in return, including as regards cooperation with consular authorities and immigration services of third countries and joint return operations;
• Actions to support cooperation between third countries and return services of MS, including measures aiming at strengthening third countries’ capacities to conduct readmission and reintegration activities, in particular in the framework of readmission agreements;
• Actions directly contributing to the evaluation of returns policies, such as national impact assessments, surveys amongst target groups, the development of indicators and benchmarking.

The main areas of activity to be addressed with EU funds are:

• Initiatives sharing best practice with other MS and networks in relation to joint operations, voluntary returns and other returns initiatives (such as GDISC, EURINT);
• Initiatives, including closer working relationships with other MS, to aid the identification process and improvement of return processes in cooperation with other return services in the EU and EU Agencies, reinforcement of cooperation with consular and immigration services of third countries, including actions in third countries;
• Developing identity databases to aid the re-documentation process;
• Projects regarding up-streaming, whereby Member States focus on preventive measures in supporting countries such as Turkey and Libya in preventing irregular migration across their border to the EU.

It is anticipated that the UK will allocate in the region of €5m to activities under this National Priority.

Specific action 5 - Joint return

The UK will participate in three proposals:

1. MedCOI 4 led by the Netherlands As a participating MS the UK will:

• Take part in the necessary meetings/workshops to obtain the goals of the action
• Contribute in the action to obtain, share and exchange information on the availability and accessibility of medical treatment in countries of origin

1. European Return Liaison Officers (EURLO) led by Belgium

• Participating in the EURLO Steering Group
• On a case by case country basis, explore the possibility of designating/deploying staff that will act as EURLO, and take up the necessary national procedures for these deployments. Narrative reporting of the deployed activities will be ensured via standardized formats.
• Ensure the correct administrative and financial follow-up towards the EURLO secretariat
• Co-financing the action (by financial contributions or by providing nationally paid capacity as EURLO)

The estimated co-financing for partners is now €7,500 per year.

1. EURINT

The UK will participate in the activities of the EURINT-Network in the following ways:

• Designate one NCP that participates in the SGC’s and operates as communication- hub towards the competent national services that need to be included in the events organized by the network;
• Chair or participate in the third country oriented Third Country Working Groups, by delegating the right experts to this working groups, holding decisive power to agree on common actions and strategies;
• Chair or participate in the defined actions (incoming/outgoing missions/task forces)
• Chair or participate in the workshops for field-practitioners;
• Actively contribute to the operational information exchange via the FOSS. The estimated co-financing for partners is now €4,700 per year.

Specific action 6 - Joint reintegration

The UK will participate in the European Re-integration Network (ERIN) led by the Netherlands.

European Re-integration Instrument Network (ERIN): Development of reintegration provision focused on recognising economies of scale through the joint procurement of reintegration providers in countries of return. The project is focused on 6 key countries of return (further information on GDISC website.

Specific action 7 - Joint family unity and unaccompanied minor reintegration

Specific objective 4 - Solidarity

National objective 1 - Relocation

Indicative Timetable

Specific Objective	NO/SA	Main action	Name of action	Start of planning phase	Start of implementation phase	Start of closing phase
SO1 - Asylum	NO1 - Reception/asylum	1	Children Advisory Service	2014	2015	2020
SO1 - Asylum	NO1 - Reception/asylum	2	Material aid and social assistance	2015	2015	2020
SO1 - Asylum	NO1 - Reception/asylum	3	Staff training	2015	2015	2020
SO1 - Asylum	NO2 - Evaluation	1	Research and impact measures on the UK asylum procedures	2015	2015	2020
SO1 - Asylum	NO2 - Evaluation	2	Analysis, collation and dissemination of Country of Origin information	2015	2015	2020
SO1 - Asylum	NO2 - Evaluation	3	Actions directly contributing to the evaluation of asylum policies	2015	2015	2020
SO1 - Asylum	NO3 - Resettlement	1	Gateway Resettlement Programme	2014	2014	2020
SO1 - Asylum	NO3 - Resettlement	2	Syria humanitarian VPR mission	2014	2014	2018
SO2 - Integration/legal migration	NO1 - Legal migration	1	Pre-departure cultural orientation programme	2015	2016	2020
SO2 - Integration/legal migration	NO2 - Integration	1	Development of regional integration strategies	2015	2015	2020
SO2 - Integration/legal migration	NO2 - Integration	2	Language and cultural orientation programmes	2015	2015	2020
SO2 - Integration/legal migration	NO2 - Integration	3	12 month resettlement integration wraparound service	2014	2015	2020
SO2 - Integration/legal migration	NO3 - Capacity	1	Reinforcing capacity to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate immigration strategies	2015	2015	2020
SO3 - Return	NO1 - Accompanying measures	1	Family pre-departure service	2014	2014	2020
SO3 - Return	NO1 - Accompanying measures	2	Welfare services in Immigration Removal Centres (IRC)	2014	2014	2020
SO3 - Return	NO1 - Accompanying measures	3	Hisbiscus - encouraging uptake of voluntary returns in IR	2014	2014	2020
SO3 - Return	NO2 - Return measures	1	AVR Returns Programme	2014	2014	2020
SO3 - Return	NO2 - Return measures	2	Charter Flights	2014	2014	2020
SO3 - Return	NO2 - Return measures	3	Travel Documentation and Consular Liaison Programme	2014	2014	2020
SO3 - Return	NO3 - Cooperation	1	Reintegration Development Programme	2014	2014	2020
SO3 - Return	NO3 - Cooperation	2	Joint initiatives and closer working with other Member States seeking ways to improve in the return	2015	2015	2020

4. Special cases

4.1 Resettlement

Justification of the number of persons to be resettled

2014/15

It is anticipated that the UK could resettle up to 2,340 individuals in the period. This includes:

• 1,500 (2 x 750) pledged refugees for the resettlement programmes;
• 500 relocated under the Syrian VPRS; and
• Up to 340 further resettlement places for future Resettlement missions currently in development.

2016/17

The UK plan to resettle up to 12,250 refugees in 2016 and 2017. This will be made up of:

• 1575 pledged refugees under the Gateway Resettlement Programme focussed on vulnerable groups and Regional Protection Programmes
• 300 refugees not covered by a Union Priority
• 325 people under the current UK Syrian VPRS
• A further 10,050 Syrians under the revised UK Syrian resettlement programme

Given the current uncertainties with pledge funding the UK pledging plan does not include the revised Syrian resettlement programme for 10,050 refugees.

2018

For the interim arrangements set out for 2018 the UK plans to resettle and additional 7500 priority cases, and 300 non-priority cases, a total of 7800.

Pledging plan

Vulnerable groups and Common Union resettlement priorities (Lump Sum 10 000€ per person resettled)	2014- 2015	2016- 2017	2018- 2020
Women and children at risk	350	350
Persons having medical needs that can be addressed only through resettlement	70	70
Regional Protection Programme in Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Kenya, Yemen)	600	635	225
Regional Protection Programme in North Africa (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia)	100	100	200
Refugees in Eastern Africa/Great Lakes	320	320	225
Refugees from Iraq in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan	100	100	300
Syrian refugees in the region	500	325	6,550
Total union priorities	2,040	1,900	7,500
Other persons not included in the Common Union priorities and not part of the defined vulnerable groups	300	300	300
Grand total	2,340	2,200	7,800

4.2 Transfer & relocation

	From	To	2014-2015	2016-2017	2018-2020

4.3 Admission from Turkey (2016/1754)

Pledging plan: Number of persons to be admitted from Turkey per pledging period

	2014-2015	2016-2017	2018-2020
Admission

5. Common indicators and programme specific indicators

Specific objective: 1 - Asylum

Indicator	Unit of measure	Baseline value	Target value	Source of data
C1 - Number of target group persons provided with assistance through projects in the field of reception and asylum systems supported under this Fund	Number	0.00	27,800.00	Project reporting
C2.1 - Capacity (i.e. number of places) of new reception accommodation infrastructure set up in line with the minimum requirements for reception conditions set out in the EU acquis and of existing reception accommodation infrastructure improved in line with the same requirements as a result of the projects supported under this Fund	Number	0.00	500.00	Project reporting
C2.2 - The percentage in the total reception accommodation capacity	%	0.00	50.00	Project reporting
C3.1 - Number of persons trained in asylum-related topics with the assistance of the Fund	Number	0.00	3,500.00	Project reporting
C3.2 - That number as a percentage of the total number of staff trained in those topics	%	0.00	95.00	Project reporting
C4 - Number of country of origin information products and fact-finding missions conducted with the assistance of the Fund	Number	0.00	4.00	Project reporting
C5 - Number of projects supported under this Fund to develop, monitor and evaluate asylum policies in Member States	Number	0.00	4.00	Project reporting
C6 - Number of persons resettled with support of this Fund	Number	0.00	6,590.00	Authority in charge of transferring the persons

Specific objective: 2 - Integration/legal migration

Indicator	Unit of measure	Baseline value	Target value	Source of data
C1 - Number of target group persons who participated in pre-departure measures supported under this Fund	Number	0.00	0.00	Project reporting
C2 - Number of target group persons assisted by this Fund through integration measures in the framework of national, local and regional strategies	Number	0.00	42,000.00	Project reporting
C3 - Number of local, regional and national policy frameworks/measures/tools in place for the integration of third country nationals and involving civil society, migrant communities as well as all other relevant stakeholders, as a result of the measures supported under this Fund	Number	0.00	9.00	Project reporting
C4 - Number of cooperation projects with other Member States on integration of third-country nationals supported under this Fund	Number	0.00	3.00	Project reporting
C5 - Number of projects supported under this Fund to develop, monitor and evaluate integration policies in Member States	Number	0.00	4.00	Project reporting

Specific objective: 3 - Return

Indicator	Unit of measure	Baseline value	Target value	Source of data
C1 - Number of persons trained on return-related topics with the assistance of the Fund	Number	0.00	650.00	Project reporting
C2 - Number of returnees who received pre or post return reintegration assistance co-financed by the Fund	Number	0.00	56,000.00	Project reporting
C3 - Number of returnees whose return was co-financed by the Fund, persons who returned voluntarily	Number	0.00	110,000.00	Project reporting
C4 - Number of returnees whose return was co-financed by the Fund, persons who were removed	Number	0.00	79,000.00	Project reporting
C5 - Number of monitored removal operations co-financed by the Fund	Number	0.00	70.00	Project reporting
C6 - Number of projects supported under the Fund to develop, monitor and evaluate return policies in Member States	Number	0.00	0.00	Project reporting

Specific objective: 4 - Solidarity

Indicator	Unit of measure	Baseline value	Target value	Source of data
C1 - Number of applicants transferred from one Member State to another with support of this Fund	Number	0.00	0.00	Authority in charge of relocation
C2 - Number of cooperation projects with other Member States on enhancing solidarity and responsibility sharing between the Member States supported under this Fund	Number	0.00	0.00	Project reporting

6. Framework for preparation and implementation of the programme by the Member State

6.1 Partnership involvement in the preparation of the programme

In the preparation of this national programme, the UK has consulted with operational and policy business areas responsible for national/local strategies and national priorities. This consultation has taken the form of workshops, brainstorming sessions, focus groups and direct commissioning of information in order to formulate ideas to the activities linked to the national and specific priorities that may be considered and supported under AMIF.

Key partners in the policy and operational fields of asylum, integration and returns, including enforced and voluntary returns teams and the refugee resettlement unit, have been consulted in the formulation of the UK’s national programme. The key partners consulted were in the main state/ federal authorities, although there was also informal consultation with some grass- roots migrant organisations in the area of integration. This was to ensure adherence to the UK localism agenda and to ensure there was a transparent objective structure to the National Programme. While Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s) were not formally consulted in the formulation of the National Programme, further extensive consultation will take place on how funding can be allocated to local areas to address the specific and often bespoke needs of differing parts of the UK.

The UK will continue to seek partner input in the formulation and implementation of the National Programme. For example, we will utilise the existing Strategic Migration Partnerships network to provide input on issues concerning integration at a local level. These partnerships include local actors, such as Local Authorities, government associations, the Devolved Administrations, charities, NGO’s and Intergovernmental Organisations, whose involvement is crucial in setting the direction for integration strategies within their local areas.

6.2 Monitoring Committee

The UK Monitoring Committee (MC) will comprise of representatives of national/ local government and relevant NGOs similar to those involved in the Apportionment and Selection Board (AB) which operated under SOLID funding.

The MC will meet annually and the RA will provide the following updates: Financial Update:

• Breakdown of the utilisation of the Fund;
• % allocation against National Programme (NP), to ensure there is a strategic alignment of funding with the NP and utilisation of Fund.

Project performance Update:

• How many projects received funding;
• How much funding has been allocated;
• Progress report on deliverables and performance against their service schedules; RA performance Update:
• Average time GAs have been issued/payments made;
• Monitoring visits undertaken;
• Progress against monitoring and auditing strategy;
• MCS performance update – any changes requirements; and
• General Update on Fund.

Financial Return preparation: Progress against delivering financial returns by the 15 Feb n+1.

Implementation Returns preparation: Progress against delivering the Implementation Report due by 31 March n+1 (2016 onwards).

Audit Authority input and assessment of the RA performance: Separate independent report by the AA providing the MC with their current assessment of the RA.

6.3 Common monitoring and evaluation framework

Monitoring will solely be the responsibility of the RA. Independent evaluation will be undertaken by the Home Office Analysis and Insight - Migration and Border Analysis Unit. Whilst part of the Home Office they are functionally separate to the UKRA with a different management chain.

The RA will visit 100% of projects to ensure compliance and delivery of objectives, building a comprehensive picture of the quantifiable objectives and targets as defined in the National Programme.

In addition to physical visits, the RA will also collect timely written reports and undertake telephone interviews with projects, gathering information to assist in the drafting of the Monitoring Committee (MC) reports and providing the source material to enable independent evaluation on the SOs and NOs.

Both RA monitoring and independent evaluation will contribute to the regular reviews on measuring delivery against the National Programme. This, combined with financial analysis for funding utilisation, will form the basis of any recommendations to make formal amendments to the UK National Programme.

6.4 Partnership involvement in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the national programme

The UK will seek to build on the partnership mechanisms established during the preparation of the National Programme.

In the field of integration, Strategic Migration Partnership consultation will feature, involving the consultation of partners at the local level such as Local and Regional Authorities and Devolved Administrations who will submit recommendations about which types of activities should be included in calls for proposals.

In the field of asylum, the UK will continue to work with internal state partners, for instance operational and policy business partners, in order to maximise the usage of funds, working collaboratively, and seeking to support actions with EU funds. Such partners will be involved in the implementation of the funds and identification of potential projects.

The UK will also continue to work with both operational and policy state business partners in the field of returns in order to maximise the allocation of funds in this area. Continuous consultation with partners is paramount to maintaining a sustainable voluntary removal programme, underpinned by an enforced removals strategy.

In the field of resettlement we will seek to develop simplified costing options to increase the potential pool of service providers to deliver the post arrival integration work.

6.5 Information and Publicity

The UKRA will ensure that:

• All necessary AMIF information will be published via www.gov.uk, the UK Governments website;
• Inform potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities under the national programme; and
• Publicise to Union citizens the role and achievements of the Specific Regulations through information and communication actions on the results and impact of the national programme.

The United Kingdom will ensure transparency on the implementation of the national programme and maintain a list of actions supported by the national programme which will be accessible through the website as will the evaluation reports on AMIF.

In addition the UK Responsible Authority will continue to host national information days and public pre-application awareness sessions to provide potential applicants with comprehensive information on funding available. This strategy will also be supplemented by more bespoke 1- 2-1 information sessions to potential final beneficiaries, such as key UK Government Departments, Consortia and/or leading NGO’s, as and when necessary.

Further information and publicity actions may also be carried out during the course of the programme.

6.6 Coordination and complementarity with other instruments

The RA already has strong working relationships with other government departments and Management Authorities of EU funding streams. For example, the SOLID Apportionment Board includes representatives from the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Communities and Local Government. A senior member of the ESF Management Authority also sat on the SOLID Apportionment Board.

To ensure complementarity and continued communication and understanding the RA will continue to maintain and develop these working relationships. The specific aims will be to deliver coordinated activities, to ensure EU Funding is allocated in a strategic and systematic manner and to ensure greater synergy and maximum utilisation of EU funds.

To ensure synergy and complementarity with the EU’s policies and financial instruments in third countries, the UK will coordinate with the relevant EU Delegations, particularly during the programming and implementation phases of the relevant actions,

The UK will endeavour to inform concerned EU delegations of any such measure that we envisage to implement in a third country, including information campaigns.. This is to ensure the above mentioned coherence is maintained.

Meetings between the RA of AMIF and Managing Authority of ESF have taken place. Common strategies and exploration of synergy in common national rules and implementation of the rules have been extensively discussed. Additionally the AMIF Responsible Authority and the ESF Management Authority will continue to hold regular meetings discussing common and overlapping funding areas such as employment and job readiness.

Different EU reporting and financial declarations mean it is not possible to fully align common national rules between AMIF and ESF, however complementarity between the two funds is maintained via regular meetings and sharing of good practice.

The two managing bodies have shared contacts, operating manuals, processes and systems in the spirit of shared management.

Continued discussions around ensuring both funds do not target the same final beneficiaries have been agreed. This will be especially important in the fields of integration and employability and job readiness.

In addition the AMIF RA has secured introductions to the wider EU Funding bodies in the UK, including access to Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), who act as a coordinating body for many UK managing bodies responsible for EU funding streams.

In addition the AMIF RA has secured introductions to the wider EU Funding bodies in the UK, including access to Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), who act as a coordinating body for many UK managing bodies responsible for EU funding streams.

6.7 Beneficiaries

6.7.1 List of five main types of beneficiaries of the programme

For the UK, it is envisaged that the five main types of beneficiaries of the programme are as follows:

• State/federal authorities
• Local public bodies
• Non-Governmental organisations International public organisations
• Education/research organisations

6.7.2 Direct award (if applicable)

The Home Office is the only UK body with the authority to make asylum decisions and enact removals from the UK. For this reason while service suppliers may support these activities the core functions can not be outsourced or open to public competition.

For 2014 this will be focusing on SO 3, especially NO 2 focusing on voluntary returns with enforcement actions accompanying this priority.

Later it is envisaged that any direct award will be, in the most part, utilised for initiatives linked to SO’s 1 and 3.

The Direct Award may also be utilised in relation to the UK’s Resettlement programme and potentially SO 2, NO 2 – Legal Migration. The UK will be looking at funding significant elements of the 12 month integration programme for Gateway and other Resettled Refugees.

An independent selection panel will oversee all Direct Award funding recommendations.

7. The financing plan of the programme

Table 1: AMIF Financial plan

Specific objective / national objective / specific action	Total
SO1.NO1 Reception/asylum	62,100,000.00
SO1.NO2 Evaluation	5,000,000.00
SO1.NO3 Resettlement	7,000,000.00
TOTAL NO SO1 Asylum	74,100,000.00
SO1.SA1 Transit centres
SO1.SA2 Access to asylum
TOTAL SA SO1 Asylum	0.00
TOTAL SO1 Asylum	74,100,000.00
SO2.NO1 Legal migration
SO2.NO2 Integration	100,426,233.00
SO2.NO3 Capacity	10,000,000.00
TOTAL NO SO2 Integration/legal migration	110,426,233.00
SO2.SA3 Joint initiatives
SO2.SA4 Unaccompanied minors
SO2.SA8 Legal migration
TOTAL SA SO2 Integration/legal migration	0.00
TOTAL SO2 Integration/legal migration	110,426,233.00
SO3.NO1 Accompanying measures	15,000,000.00
SO3.NO2 Return measures	192,532,596.27
SO3.NO3 Cooperation	5,000,000.00
TOTAL NO SO3 Return	212,532,596.27
SO3.SA5 Joint return
SO3.SA6 Joint reintegration
SO3.SA7 Joint family unity and unaccompanied minor reintegration
TOTAL SA SO3 Return	0.00
TOTAL SO3 Return	212,532,596.27
SO4.NO1 Relocation
TOTAL SO4 Solidarity	0.00
Technical assistance	21,373,406.73
TOTAL Special Cases	119,800,000.00
TOTAL	538,232,236.00

Table 2: Special case pledges

Special case pledges	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	Total
Resettlement total	11,100,000.00	11,100,000.00	10,400,000.00	10,400,000.00	25,600,000.00	25,600,000.00	25,600,000.00	119,800,000.00
Relocation (2015/1523) total								0.00
Relocation (2015/1601) total								0.00
MS Relocation total								0.00
Transfer total								0.00
Admission from Turkey(2016/1754) total								0.00
TOTAL	11,100,000.00	11,100,000.00	10,400,000.00	10,400,000.00	25,600,000.00	25,600,000.00	25,600,000.00	119,800,000.00

Table 3: Total Annual EU commitments (in €)

	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	TOTAL
Asylum and solidarity	13,239,738.76	16,218,945.00	22,296,699.00	96,371,885.90	22,294,584.90	15,536,894.90	18,627,954.91	204,586,703.37
Integration and return	37,801,594.24	37,801,595.00	40,680,331.00	76,750,511.10	52,953,317.10	39,394,677.10	48,263,507.09	333,645,532.63
TOTAL	51,041,333.00	54,020,540.00	62,977,030.00	173,122,397.00	75,247,902.00	54,931,572.00	66,891,462.00	538,232,236.00

Justification for any deviation from the minimum shares set in the Specific Regulations

Documents

Document title	Document type	Document date	Local reference	Commission reference	Files	Sent date	Sent By

Latest validation results

Severity	Code	Message
Info		Programme version has been validated.
Warning	2.15	New EC decision is required for versions > 1. New EC decision is required when fields belonging to the EC decision are modified/added/removed. These fields are all fields except those used in the Authorities section and the Management and Control System field. For the Financial Plan, amounts within a Specific Objective can be modified without the need for a new EC Decision, as long as the total per Specific Objective stays the same.
Warning	2.23.1	Total NOSO1 (Asylum) should be minimum 20 % of Total Allocation (NOSO1 + NOSO2 + NOSO3 + NOSO4 + TA).
Warning	2.23.3	The minimum threshold reason cannot be empty.
Warning	2.36	For Resettlements the total number of applicants 1900, for period 2016 should be identical to the quota allocated by regulation 2200