The Joint Initiative broke new ground in migration governance by engaging with countries on the sensitive topic of return and reintegration of returnees, setting the stage for effective voluntary return processes – even amid COVID-19 border restrictions. The multi-faceted approach of capacity building, material support and engagement of national and local authorities in coordination and implementation ensured buy-in for voluntary return and reintegration. The programme’s migration governance objectives were challenging given the amount of time and investment needed for consultation and capacity building on one hand, and the pressure to rapidly implement return and reintegration assistance on the other amid surging migrant caseloads. Trust and cooperation with national governments were established over time and despite challenging circumstances.