Voluntary Return: Making Your Decision
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Are you in an irregular situation? You may be eligible for return assistance if you leave France to return to your country of origin. Your return must be voluntary.
What is 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.
Why apply for voluntary return?
Here are the main benefits of voluntary return assistance, which allows you to leave France in dignified, well-prepared, and secure conditions.
OFII arranges and finances your return journey to your country of origin, including:
- Obtaining a consular laissez-passer (travel document)
- Airline ticket
- Financial assistance
An OFII advisor will support you throughout the process and help prepare your departure.
If necessary, an interpreter can be arranged to facilitate communication and ensure that information is provided in your language.
The authorities in your country of origin are not notified of your return.
Once you have entered the boarding area, you travel like any other passenger.
Financial assistance is provided at the airport on the day of departure. It helps you return to your country of origin with greater peace of mind and financial security.
In some countries, this financial assistance may be supplemented by reintegration assistance.
The assistance is based on a personal choice. The application is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw your request at any time without any penalty.
Visit the voluntary return assistance page or the reintegration assistance page to learn more.
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