Voluntary
return counseling

With the humanitarian funding program REAG / GARP and StarthilfePlus, the federal and state governments support people who want to return voluntarily to their country of origin or migrate to a country that is willing to accept them.

Travel expenses will be covered for people who cannot finance their return themselves. For most countries, a travel allowance and financial start-up assistance for the first few days in the country of origin are also paid. The amounts vary depending on the country of origin. Citizens of North Macedonia, Montenegro, the Republic of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Albania, the Republic of Moldova, Kosovo and Ukraine receive reduced travel allowances.

Persons who leave the country with support from the REAG / GARP program may be able to receive additional reintegration support in the destination country.

The DRK return and perspective counseling advises on all questions relating to these programs and carries out the application together with those seeking advice. Current funding guidelines and country-specific return information can be found on the following information portal on voluntary return and reintegration It is available in 10 languages.

 Infoportal »Returning from Germany«

Different reintegration programs offer the opportunity to develop a future perspective with the returnees. You can find the current Reintegration programs at this link.

The StartHope@Home program also supports refugees in starting a business in their country of origin. The employees of the return and perspective counseling provide personal contacts to the reintegration projects, support with the application and are also available as contact persons after the return.

How long is a voluntary return possible for individuals who are obliged to leave the country?
Once an individual has received a negative asylum notice obliging them to leave the country, and should they have opted for voluntary return, they should contact the responsible immigration authority as soon as possible. This authority can inform them by what date they may return voluntarily. The notice rejecting your asylum application will also state by when you must leave the country. This period is normally 30 days. The deadline for leaving the country - if the asylum application is rejected as “obviously unfounded” is one week. In these cases you should contact our return counselling office for support. A voluntary return is possible, even when you have passed the deadline.

Is a voluntary return possible as long as the asylum proceedings have not yet been concluded?
Voluntary return is also possible if the asylum proceedings have not yet ended. In this case you will have to withdraw the asylum application before you leave the country.

Who does the return counselling service target?
The advice that is on offer targets all third-country nationals, regardless of whether their asylum proceedings are ongoing or have already been concluded.

What documents are needed for a voluntary return?
At least a border crossing certificate is needed for voluntary exit. Valid entry papers need to be available for entering the country of origin (passport or replacement passport). Our counselling-office will help should difficulties occur when it comes to acquiring travel documents. One cannot return with just a copy of a passport or travel document.

Does attending a counselling session affect ongoing proceedings?
No. Attending a counselling session does not affect ongoing proceedings. The session is confidential.

In what languages are counselling sessions offered?
Our staff offers German, English French, Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian counselling sessions and works with well-trained interpreters in other languages. It is also possible to take someone along to the counselling session who can interpret.

Is it possible to apply for a voluntary return while in prison?
No, returnees can only apply for a voluntary return after they have been released from custody.

Is it mandatory to have applied for asylum to be supported for a voluntary return?
No, it is not. For example we also support victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution.

Can the assisted voluntary return be made with a copy of the travel document?
No. It is imperative to ensure that the original travel documents are available at the time of departure.

What should be considered in the case of health restrictions?
All health, physical or psychological limitations, including pregnancy, must be reported when the application is submitted. If necessary medical professionals will check to what extent special arrangements need to be made for departure or reintegration in the destination country.

Do you support the conversion of a corpse in its country of origin?
No, there is no financial support in such cases.

Is there a legal right to assisted voluntary return and reintegration benefits?
No, there is no legal entitlement to support for voluntary return.

What is the difference between a deportation (Abschiebung) and a voluntary return?
A deportation takes place, when a migrant, who´s application for asylum has been denied, does not leave Germany in the fixed period of time. In this case, the migrant is forcly deported to its country of origin by the German authorities. A voluntary return supports the returning migrant through counselling, financial support and reintegration-programmes in the country of origin.

Are unaccompanied minors supported in the event of a voluntary return?
Yes! The counselors at the return counseling center provide information about the individual requirements and options. In any case, the consent of the legal representative and the youth welfare office must be obtained. In the run-up to the return, the International Organization for Migration checks whether the care of the minor is secured in the country of origin.

Are there post-return support programs in the country of origin?
In many countries of origin, reintegration programs help with new beginnings. Components of reintegration programs can be:

• Benefits in kind
  
• Assistance in finding accommodation and work
  
• Placement in training and further education measures
  
• Help with starting a business or
  
• Assistance in social and medical matters
  

 Infoportal »Returning from Germany«

Are Dublin transfers to another EU Member State supported?
No, funding is excluded for a Dublin transfer to another EU member state or a Dublin-associated third country. However, before the transfer, a person who is obliged to leave the country can apply for a voluntary return to the country of origin or further migration to a third country that is willing to accept them.

Is there financial support from IOM if you have your own income?
Yes, but support is income-based. Funding is granted to people who receive benefits from an earned income that is below the garnishment exemption limits.