Voluntary return counseling

Our counseling center works collaboratively with authorities and organizations in the field of  migration and asylum. In doing so, we always maintain our neutrality and independence. On this basis, we offer a wide range of individual assistance. We are supported by interpreters who have been recruited via the German Red Cross (DRK).

• Support with the procurement of travel documents
• Assistance in dealing with authorities
• Application and disbursement of funding/grants
• Assistance with necessary formalities for leaving Germany
• Organization of flight, bus, and train tickets
• Disbursement of travel allowances/grants
• Individual assistance, e.g., in cases of illness, disability, or old age
• Referral to local reintegration projects
• Research and referral regarding employment opportunities as well as further support and services in the country of origin.

The Federal Government and the Federal States provide support through the humanitarian funding programs REAG / GARP and StartHilfePlus for individuals voluntarily returning to their country of origin or for onward migration to a receiving third country. Travel costs are covered for individuals who cannot finance their return themselves. Depending on the country of origin, returnees receive a travel allowance and financial start-up assistance for the first few days in their home country before their departure, as well as a second financial start-up assistance after their return, depending on the country of origin. Furthermore, individual reintegration assistance in the form of non-cash benefits (in-kind benefits) can be applied for through the EU Reintegration Programme.

Nationals of the Western Balkan countries, as well as those from countries from which they can enter without a visa, only have their travel costs reimbursed and are excluded from further REAG/GARP funding.
The DRK Voluntary Return Counseling provides advice on all topics related to these programs and handles the application process together with the clients. Up-to-date funding guidelines and country-specific return information are available on the Return Information Portal of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) concerning voluntary return and reintegration at www.ReturningfromGermany.de. The information is available in 10 languages.

More information: Returning from Germany

Various reintegration programs offer the opportunity to develop a future perspective with the returnees. You can find the current reintegration programs under this link.
The StartHope@Home program also supports refugees and migrants in developing professional prospects for a fresh start in their country of origin. Our counseling staff facilitate personal contacts with the reintegration projects and assist with the application process.

How long is a voluntary return possible for persons obliged to leave the country?
Concurrently with the rejection of the asylum application, individuals obliged to leave the country are informed of a deadline by which they must depart. This deadline is usually 30 days. If the asylum application is labeled "manifestly unfounded" („offensichtlich unbegründet“) the departure deadline is one week. After receiving the negative asylum decision, persons obliged to leave the country who have decided to return voluntarily should contact the Voluntary Return Counseling Service as soon as possible. Voluntary return is generally possible even when the set deadline has already expired.

Is voluntary return possible while the asylum procedure has not yet been concluded?
Voluntary return is also possible if the asylum procedure has not yet been concluded.

Who is the return counseling service aimed at?
The counseling service is aimed at all third-country nationals, regardless of ongoing or already concluded asylum procedures.

Which documents are required for a voluntary return?
Valid entry documents (passport or passport substitute) must be available for entry into the country of origin. The return counseling center assists with difficulties in obtaining travel documents.

Is there an "obligation to return" if one attends a counseling appointment?
The counseling is non-binding and confidential. Those who use it do not commit themselves to return; counseling has no influence on a current procedure.

In which language are the counseling interviews conducted?
The counselors can advise in German and English. In addition, interpreters are available. If desired and possible, clients may also be accompanied by their own language mediators.

Can a REAG/GARP application be filed from detention?
No. Individuals who wish to return voluntarily must contact a counseling center after their release and file an application for return support there.

Does someone necessarily have to have filed an asylum application?
No. Individuals who have expressed an intention to seek asylum (asylum request) but have not yet filed a legally effective asylum application are also supported. Furthermore, victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution are supported by the program.

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

What must be considered in case of health restrictions?
All health, physical, or psychological restrictions, including pregnancies, must be disclosed when applying. Medical professionals will then check the extent to which special arrangements must be made for departure or reintegration in the destination country..

Is financial support from IOM also available for the transfer of deceased persons to the home country?
No, the transfer of deceased persons cannot be carried out through IOM.

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

What is the difference between assisted return and forced return (deportation)?
Deportation means that a person obliged to leave the country is taken back to their country of origin by the responsible authority if they have not left Germany within the deadline. This affects individuals whose asylum application has been rejected or those who only had a right to temporary protection. Assisted voluntary return takes precedence over deportation and includes logistical and/or financial assistance for both the journey back and for reintegration in the country of origin.

Are unaccompanied minors supported in a voluntary return?
Yes! The counselors at the return counseling center provide information on the individual requirements and possibilities. In any case, the consent of the legal guardian and the Youth Welfare Office must be obtained. Prior to the return, the International Organization for Migration verifies whether the care of the minor is secured in the country of origin.

Are there programs in the country of origin to provide support after the return?
In many countries of origin, reintegration programs help with a fresh start. Components of reintegration programs can include:

• Non-cash benefits
• Support with finding housing and employment
• Referral to training and further education measures
• Assistance with setting up a business (self-employment)
• Support in social and medical matters
• Info portal 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, a person obliged to leave the country can apply for a voluntary return to the country of origin or onward migration to a receiving third country before the transfer.

Is financial support from IOM also available if one has one's own income?
Yes, but the support is income-dependent. Individuals who receive income from employment that is below the attachment-free limits are funded.