Assisted Voluntary Return
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Are you in an irregular situation? Assisted return may be granted if you leave France to return to your country of origin. Your return must be voluntary.
Whats is Assisted Voluntary Return?
Voluntary Return Assistance is offered by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII). This assistance includes:
- Administrative support. If you do not have a valid travel document, OFII can help you obtain a travel document (consular laissez-passer).
- Organization and funding of your return journey, including:
- Airline ticket
- Baggage allowance within the limits set by the airline
- Transfer from your home to the departure airport (if needed)
- Financial assistance provided at the time of departure.
Who is concerned?
You may be eligible if you are in one of the following situations:
- Your asylum application has been rejected.
- You wish to withdraw your asylum application.
- You are residing in France without legal status.
Assistance may be granted if you are subject to an Obligation to Leave French Territory (OQTF) or a Ban on Returning to French Territory (IRTF).
Are you eligible for reintegration assistance?
How do I apply?
Visit an OFII office to present your project. An OFII officer will register your application and, if necessary, assist you with obtaining a consular laissez-passer (travel document). An interpreter can be provided if needed.
To find your nearest address, go to the Help page.
OFII will arrange a second appointment to provide you with the details of your journey.
To learn more, visit the "Tips for Organizing Your Departure" page.
You will receive a departure notice from OFII.
Be sure to check your baggage allowance to avoid exceeding the maximum number or weight of bags permitted. The number and weight of luggage authorised are indicated on the summons issued by the OFII before departure. These limits vary depending on your destination and the airline. You should therefore check that your baggage does not exceed this limit.
On the day of departure, an OFII officer will welcome you at the airport and accompany you to the boarding area. You will receive your financial assistance in the boarding area.
Always keep your passport or consular laissez-passer and your OQTF (Obligation to Leave French Territory) with you, as these documents will be required upon your return.
Once you arrive in your country of origin, you will be able to withdraw the funds by presenting a photo ID at a participating money withdrawal service provider.
Need advice?
Visit the "Voluntary Return: Making Your Decision" page.
In addition to assisted return, the OFII can offer assisted professional reintegration. Depending on your project, it can help you settle, find a job or start your own business.
In summary
Voluntary return assistance enables people staying irregularly in France, unsuccessful asylum seekers, or those who wish to withdraw their asylum application to return voluntarily to their country of origin with support from OFII. After the application is submitted, OFII helps prepare the departure, assists with administrative procedures, organises and funds the journey, and provides financial assistance upon return. Reintegration support may also be available to help beneficiaries settle, find employment, or start a business in their country of origin.
OFII
