If you are currently living in Germany and are thinking about returning to your country of origin, you can receive support - both financially and organizationally. The whole thing runs via the so-called REAG/GARP programwhich is organized by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
For example, the program covers your travel costs and gives you a Jump startso that you can regain a foothold in your home country (or a third country that accepts you). How much support you receive depends, among other things, on your nationality.
Who can get the support?
In principle, you can benefit from the REAG/GARP program if you cannot afford the return journey yourself and belong to one of these groups:
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You are still in the asylum procedure, have a tolerated stay or are obliged to leave the country (e.g. if you withdraw your asylum application or waive further legal remedies).
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You are recognized as a refugee under the Geneva Convention and have a residence permit.
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You have a right of residence for humanitarian, political or international law reasons.
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You are a victim of human trafficking or forced prostitution.
What do you need for the return journey?
So that you can leave Germany "voluntarily", you need a valid travel document (e.g. your passport or a substitute such as the Laissez-Passer) and a Border crossing certificate (GÜB). You can obtain the GÜB from the immigration office and hand it in at the border.
If you do not want to travel to your home country but to another country, you will need a visa or a residence permit for at least one year.
Who will not supported by the program?
Nationals of EU countries usually do not receive any support - exceptThey are victims of forced prostitution or human trafficking.
If you come from a non-EU countrywho are allowed to enter Germany without a visa (e.g. many Western Balkan states), REAG/GARP pays only the travel expensesbut no jump start.
Where can I submit the application?
You can use the support only via a return counseling center apply. There you will receive independent advice and find out what options are available for your personal situation. The advice centers will then forward the application to the BAMF.
You can find such offices, for example, at welfare organizations, the foreigners authority, social welfare offices, the UNHCR or special specialist offices for return.
What costs will REAG/GARP cover?
The program will take over if you are authorized to do so:
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Travel expenses (e.g. for airplane, bus or train)
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Additional travel allowance
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One-off start-up aid for a new beginning
What do you have to pay yourself?
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Costs for new Travel documents (e.g. if you need to renew your passport)
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Visa feesif you are traveling to a country other than your country of origin
What exactly is the "jump start"?
Start-up aid is financial support that helps you when you arrive in your country of return - e.g. for accommodation, food or initial expenses. How much you receive depends on your nationality.
Which countries are currently not returned?
There are currently No support for return trips to the Yemen and the Ukraine - due to the difficult security situation.
If you come from one of these countries but have a visa for another country that will accept you, you can still get help for your onward journey.
However, some federal states support a return to Yemen independently of the REAG/GARP.
Can I return to Germany after a voluntary return?
If you leave voluntarily, you lose your right of residence in Germany. However, you can later add a Visa apply - a return is therefore possible in principle.
After a Deportation The situation is different in Germany, where an entry ban usually applies for several years.
Important: Once you have received support with REAG/GARPyou can do that later do not apply again.
