Voluntary Returns Programme

What is the Voluntary returns programme?

This programme allows people to leave the State voluntarily with the help of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, if needed.

Voluntary Return is available to people who:

have no legal status to live in Ireland;
have withdrawn their application for International Protection, or
have just received a negative decision in their International protection application.

You cannot avail of the voluntary returns programme if you hold a deportation order, or if you are considered to be a danger to the security of the State or have been convicted of a serious crime.

You can only avail of the voluntary returns programme once.

What are my options?

If you are intending to leave the State, you have two options:

You can arrange your return yourself, this includes covering all the costs yourself and informing us after that you have left
You can contact us and we may assist you with the travel costs, financial help and the administrative support to get you ready for your journey.

Why choose Voluntary return?

Differences between Voluntary Return and deportation Voluntary Return: It is voluntary, you decide No detention You will travel like any other passenger Financial assistance may be available after you return home Authorities in your country will not be informed You may return to Ireland in a legal manner. Deportation: It is not voluntary, it is enforced Risk of detention Escorted to your country of origin No help will be given after you are returned home Authorities in your country aware you’re being deported Possible lifetime re-entry ban for Ireland and EU

What do you get if you avail of the voluntary returns programme?

Reintegration grant
Help with getting a travel document from your Embassy
Flights paid for
Transport to the airport
Help at the airport

What is a reintegration grant?

A reintegration grant is a combination of money given to you either on a pre-paid debit card or in kind when you return home.

When you are leaving Dublin airport, you will receive some of your grant on a prepaid debit card, which you can use immediately when you arrive home. This is the same as cash.

The rest of the grant will be in kind and may help you to set up a small business or attend an education course when you return home. IOM will contact you when you return home and explain how you can receive the rest of your grant.