This fourth Knowledge Bite builds on findings from the second Knowledge Bite, which found that  returnees  who  received  direct  assistance  had  higher  satisfaction  levels  and  higher  reintegration  sustainability  scores  than  those  who  received  assistance through referrals. This study sought to complement these findings on referrals by collecting qualitative information to provide insights into the reasons behind the negative effect of referrals on reintegration sustainability outcomes and satisfaction. 

The study covered four countries:  Cameroon, Guinea, Senegal and the Gambia. The research methods focused on key informant interviews (KIIs) with staff of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), beneficiaries and referral partners; findings were complemented by a short online survey and observations.