Nationwide Financial Support for Voluntary Returnees (REAG/GARP Program 2023)
Nationwide financial support for voluntary returnees with grants for travel and transport costs, travel allowances, additional medical expenses, and start-up assistance in the country of return. Applications can be submitted continuously through counseling centers.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for refugees in their voluntary return to their home country or a third country, as well as provision of start-up assistance for a new beginning in the country of return.
Eligible expenses
- Travel and transport costs to the country of return
- Travel allowances during the journey
- Additional medical costs during the journey
- Start-up assistance for the new beginning in the country of return
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
- Public Institutions
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
Funding requirements
- Persons from non-EU countries who are entitled to benefits under § 1 Asylum Seekers Benefits Act
- Persons who have expressed an asylum claim but have not yet submitted a legally effective asylum application
- Persons with a residence permit according to §§ 22–26 Residence Act
- Persons who have entered through family reunification but do not themselves belong to the eligible group
- Persons from EU countries affected by human trafficking or forced prostitution
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Documents required for application
- Application from a counseling center
- Border crossing certificate
- Valid travel document
Description
The REAG/GARP Program 2023 offers nationwide financial grants for voluntary returnees from non-EU and EU countries, particularly for refugees affected by human trafficking or forced prostitution, unaccompanied minors, and family units. The program is managed by the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) in cooperation with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). The aim of the program is to facilitate a fresh start in the country of origin or a third country by financing necessary travel and transport costs, additional medical expenses during the journey, as well as an accompanying start-up allowance. The funding is directed at private individuals, municipalities, public institutions, and associations committed to return counseling and ensuring that no further legal remedies to secure residence in Germany are pursued.
Eligible expenses include travel costs to the destination country, flat-rate travel allowances (€200 for adults or unaccompanied minors, €100 for those under 18), medically necessary additional costs, as well as a start-up allowance of up to €1,000 (€500 for minors) or a maximum of €4,000 per family unit. Applications can be submitted continuously through recognized counseling centers. Required documents include a completed application, a border crossing certificate, and a valid travel document. Voluntariness of departure and proof of insufficient personal funds are further prerequisites. With this offer, the REAG/GARP Program supports a sustainable and self-determined return and promotes social stabilization in the country of return.