The "voluntary return programme" consists of a flight to one’s country of origin and often also entails a return premium and possibly additional support for one’s reintegration.

Almost all migrants wishing to return to their native country, whether an asylum seeker, an asylum seeker who has exhausted all legal remedies or an immigrant without papers, are eligible for voluntary return.

In Belgium, Fedasil – the federal agency for the reception of asylum seekers – is the government body which oversees the voluntary return of migrants.

The return trip to one’s country of origin is organised by IOM (the International Organization for Migration).

Any migrant returning voluntarily to his/her country of origin will receive:

- a flight to the airport that is nearest to his/her destination
- a premium of 250 euros per adult (125 euros for a person under the age of 18). This rule does not apply to the citizens of the 12 new EU Member States and to the Balkan countries that are subject to a visa requirement (Albania, Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia).
- reception and supervision at the airports of departure and arrival.
- special transport for persons who cannot or may not travel alone.
- reimbursement of travel documents, transport to the airport (limited to 50 euros per person)

Persons wishing to voluntarily return may also submit an application for additional reintegration support.

Please refer to the ‘voluntary return overview’ for a detailed overview of who is eligible for such support upon their voluntary return.

How is a voluntary return organised?

The returning migrant must arrive at the airport two hours before the time of departure. An IOM supervisor will wait for him in row 10 in the airport departure hall. The returning migrant will make sure he/she can be recognised by carrying the IOM plastic bag in a visible manner.

Upon request and if it is possible, IOM will also oversee transfers in other airports and will be present upon arrival at the ultimate destination.

It is important that the maximum weight restrictions for luggage are respected in order to avoid problems during check-in!

Once the returning migrant has arrived in his country of origin, the local partners of IOM or Caritas will discuss the practical implementation of the reintegration project with him/her. During the first 12 months they will provide guidance to the returning migrant in the frame of his/her reintegration project.

What if the returning migrant changes his/her mind?

The return to one’s country is voluntary. Up until the point of entry into the transit zone at the airport, everyone can, therefore, change their mind about their decision.

If the returning migrant is residing in a reception centre he or she may however forfeit his right to a place to stay by changing his/her mind.