Return and onward migration of foreign refugees

Return and onward migration of foreign refugees offers refugees in Lower Saxony a grant for voluntary return to their country of origin or onward migration to a third country willing to receive them. Within the framework of the humanitarian REAG/GARP program, travel and transport costs, travel allowances, medically necessary additional costs, as well as start-up assistance (GARP) and arrival support are covered. These funded services are intended to facilitate the social and economic new beginning on site by securing necessary investments prior to departure. As an ongoing open grant measure, the program helps to relieve municipal resources and strengthen counseling centers in their work.

Eligible for funding are, among others, beneficiaries under § 1 of the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (AsylbLG), asylum seekers without a legally effective application (§ 55 AsylG), recognized refugees, other third-country nationals with residence for reasons of international law, humanitarian or political grounds, as well as victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution. Dublin cases may also apply for voluntary departure assistance. Essential requirements include the lack of sufficient personal funds, a declaration of permanent departure within three months, and the initial use of REAG/GARP funding. The obligation to reimburse in case of non-return, the withdrawal of lodged legal remedies, and consent to official data transmission with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) ensure the integrity of the procedure.