Voluntary return

This page explains the help that is available if you choose to return to your home country voluntarily.

If we have refused to give you permission to stay in the UK and your appeals (if any) against our decision have failed, you must return to the country that you came from. If you do not return voluntarily, we will enforce your removal and we may detain you until we do this.

If you want to return to your home country, you can do so at any stage of your application for asylum. You must tell your case owner if you are going to do this. You should also tell your legal representative, if you have one. Your nearest One Stop Service may be able to give you advice.

If you choose to return to your home country, you can make your own travel arrangements, or your case owner can help you apply to one of the programmes for assisted voluntary return. These programmes are run by Choices under their Choices service. You can also contact the Choices directly - see 'Contact' on the right side of this page.

The Refugee Action is independent of the UK government. It can help you think about your options and give you practical help to return to your home country.

For detailed information about our policy for these programmes, see our Return of migrants to their home country page for organisations that work with migrants.

Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme

The Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRP) is open to asylum applicants whose application has been refused or who have been given temporary permission to stay in the UK (known as 'limited leave to remain').

It is not open to:

  • anyone who has been recognised as a refugee and given permission to stay in the UK; or
  • people who are in the UK illegally and have not applied for asylum. Illegal migrants may be able to apply to the Assisted Voluntary Return of Irregular Migrants programme (see below).

If you meet the requirements for the VARRP, you will be given help to return to your home country and establish a new life there. This will be a package tailored to your individual needs. It is also available to every member of your family who returns home with you.

The package of help will be agreed while you are still in the UK. Someone from the RA will discuss your situation with you and offer you advice before deciding what will help you most. This may be:

  • help to set up a business;
  • education;
  • a job placement; or
  • training to give you the skills for a particular job.

If your application to the programme is approved, you will be expected to leave the UK no more than 3 months later.

Assisted Voluntary Return of Irregular Migrants

The Assisted Voluntary Return of Irregular Migrants (AVRIM) programme is not for people who have applied for asylum. It is for people who are in the UK illegally, including those who have overstayed the time allowed by their visa or have been smuggled into the UK.

If you are accepted onto this programme, Choices can give you:

  • tickets to your home country;
  • help with arranging your travel; and
  • help with obtaining travel documents.

You cannot apply to this programme if you want to return to a country in the European Union.

Assisted Voluntary Returns for Families and Children

This Assisted Voluntary Returns for Families and Children (AVRFC) programme is available to both asylum seekers and irregular migrants. It is for families with at least 1 child under 18 years old, and for individuals under 18.

The scheme is flexible, to account for family needs, and is similar in support to VARRP; each individual family member qualifies for reintegration assistance. For more information, see the Choices service website.