Assisted voluntary returns

The assisted voluntary returns service is operated by Refugee Action as part of their 'Choices' service. Refugee Action is an independent charity with international links.

The 'Choices' service can help you or your family with confidential advice and information if you would like to think about whether to return voluntarily and permanently to your country of origin or to a third country to which you are admissible.

Most reporting centre waiting rooms will also contain leaflets in several languages concerning assisted voluntary returns.

'Choices' service can help you if you:

• are an asylum seeker;
• are a refused asylum seeker;
• have discretionary leave to remain; or
• are in the UK with no legal status (an 'irregular migrant').

If you decide to return to your home country, 'Choices' service will support you to:

• plan for your return - for example the journey from the airport to your home town/village, where you will live, what you would like to do, contacting family;
• give you information on support that may be available in your country (education, employment, training, business packages); and
• apply for travel documents and pay for the flight.

For families and some others, give you financial support after you have returned.

You will find more information on the 'Choices' website - see link on the right side of this page.