Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme

This page explains our policy for the Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRP). For more general information on the programme, see Voluntary return in the Asylum section.

The Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRP) is the UK's generic voluntary return programme for those in the asylum system and those with temporary status in the UK who wish to return voluntarily and permanently to their country of origin or to a third country to which they are admissible.

VARRP is operated by Refugee Action (RA) under their Choices service. Refugee Action is an independent charity with international links. Reintegration assistance is provided as part of VARRP through RA and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Eligible groups

Applications for return under VARRP will be accepted by the RA from anyone* who is or is the dependant of a person who:

• has an asylum application pending;
• has been refused asylum and is appealing against that decision;
• has been refused asylum and has exhausted the appeals process;
• has not withdrawn their asylum application;
• falls within any of the above categories and is detained by the immigration service solely in relation to immigration offences, except where the applicant has been assessed by detention services as violent and/or may pose a threat to RA staff;
• has been refused asylum but granted discretionary leave to remain in the UK outside the immigration rules.

*except where:

• the applicant is involved in ongoing matters pertaining to the criminal justice system;
• a deportation order (DO) has been made against the person;
• arrangements for the person's return are already in place;
• prior to RA receiving an application, the applicant has received custodial sentences, in the UK, totalling in excess of 12 months.
• The applicant is a dependent who is not involved in the asylum application.

In each individual case, applications will be received and screened by the RA. In each case the final decision about suitability of the applicant for VARRP rests with the UK Border Agency.

Ineligible groups

• The programme is not open to those who:
  are British citizens or a national of Switzerland, or a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) state;
• have been granted humanitarian protection, indefinite leave to remain and/or refugee status;
• have never sought asylum in the UK;
• have permission to enter or remain in the UK for non-asylum reasons, e.g. students, spouses, visitors etc;
• are immigration detainees and have had removal directions set at any time;
• are convicted prisoners subject to deportation orders;
• have been convicted of a serious immigration offence;
• whose purpose in leaving is to nullify their adverse immigration status in order to re-enter the UK.

In addition to the above criteria, the majority of individuals who have previously participated in an assisted voluntary return (AVR) programme will be excluded from participating a second time following their subsequent return to the UK. Each application by a previous participator will be carefully considered, taking all relevant factors into consideration, and the appropriate decision made. Relevant factors may include: a significant change in the country situation; a new basis of asylum claim; previous participation in assisted voluntary return as a dependant.

In cases where an individual applies to make an assisted voluntary return under an AVR programme and has previously commenced a judicial review, the AVR return should NOT be deferred.

Assistance provided

Refugee Action can help returnees at every stage of the process, from start to finish. This includes helping them with the application form itself and advising on the scheme, helping obtain the appropriate travel documents and arranging their international flight. RA representatives also provide airport assistance, meeting returnees at the departure airport, helping them through transit if requested and helping them get from the airport to their final destination.

Those who return under VARRP can also receive reintegration assistance to help boost their ability to make a living. The reintegration package is tailored to suit their individual and specific needs in the country of return. This package will be agreed after a counselling session with RA while the applicant is still in the UK and will typically comprise one of the following strands:

• assistance with establishing a business;
• education;
• a job placement; or
• vocational training.

An extra baggage allowance will be available and the need for childcare and short-term accommodation will also be reviewed and addressed.

Withdrawal from asylum process

Once the UK Border Agency has approved the application they will inform RA. Refugee Action will have advised the applicant that if they wish to return under VARRP they must withdraw their UK asylum application on departure from the UK. RA will ask departing VARRP applicants to make a signed declaration of withdrawal from the asylum process on departure.

Travel documentation

Where an applicant to the programme does not already have a suitable travel document with which to return to their country of origin or to a third country to which they are admissible, the RA will assist in obtaining the required travel documentation, entry permit or equivalent issued by either the UK Border Agency or the Embassy or High Commission of the country of return.

Any travel documents previously issued by the UK Border Agency must be returned at the time of application for VARRP.

Review of decisions

Decisions on eligibility for this scheme rest with the UK Border Agency. Decisions will only be reviewed if new factual evidence has been presented. If new evidence relates to a policy issue then reference will be made to the relevant policy unit. Once the policy position has been clarified the UK Border Agency will decide if the case decision should be reviewed.

Withdrawal from VARRP

An applicant can withdraw from VARRP at any time prior to departure. If the applicant fails to travel within three months of their application to the programme being approved and there is no valid reason for not travelling within this time, the VARRP application will be deemed withdrawn by the UK Border Agency.

Generally only two assisted voluntary return applications will be considered for each applicant. Those who cancel or withdraw their application or do not depart within three months of approval on two occasions will no longer be eligible for the programmes. A third application will be considered only on production of evidenced exceptional reasons why departure via assisted voluntary return has not taken place. This applies to applications made for any assisted voluntary return. In each case the final decision about consideration of a third assisted voluntary return application rests with the UK Border Agency.

Financial management of VARRP

VARRP is co-financed by the UK Border Agency and the European Refugee Fund (ERF). The programme is therefore subject to the rules and conditions of the ERF as well as to normal Home Office financial procedures.