European Return Fund

This page explains what the European Return Fund (RF) is and how you can apply for funding.

Established on 1 January 2008, the fund aims to support the efforts of European Union (EU) member states to return migrants from outside Europe to their countries of origin. It will run until 31 December 2013 and is planned over 2 funding periods, each lasting 3 years. The fund prioritises voluntary return and joint return actions by member states, and aims particularly to support fair and effective implementation of common standards on return.

The fund is one of 3 EU migration funds (known collectively as the 'solidarity and management of migration flows' funds) that the UK takes part in. The others are the European Refugee Fund and the European Integration Fund.

The UK receives an annual allocation from the RF, which it administers according to strict rules set by the European Commission. For more information about how the UK is spending and administering its allocation, see the RF summary 2008-2013 (PDF 172KB opens in new window). Note that all figures are estimated and subject to change. The division of the funding to the RF priorities may also change, depending on the changing situation at UK and EU level.

Organisations wishing to bid for RF funding can do so through the annual call for proposals, which is published on this website.

Individuals who want to return to their country of origin cannot apply directly to the RF for funding. Instead, they should read the Voluntary return page in the Asylum section of this site.

Use of the fund in 2008-2011

The list of UK projects selected for RF co-funding in 2008 contains brief details of the 3 funded projects in the RF's 1st year.

Additional lists for 2009-2011 can be found on the right side of this page.

Call for proposals for the European Return Fund 2011

A call for proposals for the RF 2011, focusing on assisted voluntary returns, closed on Friday 7 January 2011.

Future calls may be detailed on this website or advertised in another way, for example, an advertisement in a newspaper.