In Germany, individuals who have applied for asylum always have the opportunity to return voluntarily. Voluntary return is the process in which a person returns to their home country at their own request, without being forced or under legal pressure. In Germany, voluntary return is an option primarily for refugees whose asylum applications have been rejected or those who wish to return to their home country. This process gives individuals the chance to leave Germany voluntarily and typically includes financial support, counseling services, and logistical assistance.

How to Apply for Voluntary Return

1. Step: Evaluation of the Return Option

Those who have no possibility of staying in Germany or those who do not wish to remain in Germany can receive financial and organizational support for their return. It is important to evaluate all available options before making this decision.

2. Step: Consultation with a Counseling Center

There are approximately 800 return counseling centers in Germany. These centers provide information about voluntary return and guide individuals through the process. Counseling sessions are private, cannot be stored, and are confidential. You can get detailed information about the return process and available support from your counselor to make an informed decision.

3. Step: Voluntary Return Application

If you choose voluntary return, you must apply to the Foreigners’ Office. Your counselor or lawyer can assist you with this application.

4. Step: Planning Your Travel

Before traveling, necessary travel documents must be obtained. Your return counselor will assist with obtaining these documents and will help schedule your travel date.

5. Step: Receiving Support

You may receive financial support for your flight and travel. If you have health problems, medical support may also be provided. (Note: If you receive financial support, a Schengen ban may be imposed.)

6. Step: Travel Time

Before starting your journey, assistance may be provided at the airport at the request of your return counselor. You will receive guidance through security and passport control up to the departure gate. The document provided by the Foreigners’ Office must be signed at customs. If initial financial support has been approved, it will be delivered to you at the security area near the gate.

For more detailed information about “Voluntary Return,” you can visit www.bamf.de and www.returningfromgermany.de.

Advantages of Voluntary Return

• A Smoother Process: Instead of being deported, the person voluntarily returns to their home country or another country that does not require a visa, ensuring a safe and voluntary process.

• Financial Support: Return costs are usually covered by the state, or support is provided through return counseling centers.

• Avoiding the Schengen Ban: Individuals who return voluntarily and do not receive financial support are generally exempt from the Schengen ban. In rare cases where a Schengen ban is imposed, it may be lifted through legal assistance.

How to Obtain Residence in Germany Without Voluntary Return?

Asylum applicants who are rejected or refugees who know they lack sufficient reasons for asylum may still apply for residence in Germany if they meet certain criteria.

• Arrival to Germany Before March 29, 2023: Refugees whose asylum applications are ongoing with BAMF or in court, and who possess a diploma, associate degree, vocational school diploma, or certificates like a master craftsman, journeyman, or apprenticeship certificate, and have a job contract related to their education, can apply for residence through employment at the Foreigners’ Office.

• Ausbildung: Refugees who have completed vocational training in Germany may obtain residence.

Besides these two options, some refugees who have lived in Germany for a long time, integrated well, speak German, and can support themselves may also be granted residence.

Note: Refugees arriving after March 29, 2023, without valid asylum reasons and fearing rejection are advised to voluntarily return and later come back to Germany on a work visa as a skilled worker.

How Can Voluntary Returnees Return to Germany?

Those who voluntarily return and do not face a Schengen ban can return to Germany as skilled migrants through the qualified immigration law by obtaining a visa:

• Skilled Workers with Vocational Education: Those with an associate degree, vocational school diploma, or certificates like apprenticeship, journeyman, or master craftsman.

• Skilled Workers with Academic Education: University graduates.

• Professional Drivers: Individuals from Turkey with driving licenses such as C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E and E.

These individuals, even if they voluntarily returned, have the right to come back to Germany as skilled workers, if they find a job contract suitable for their education. This right is granted under residence laws: §18a for people who have vocational education, §18b for people who have academic education, §18g for the Blue Card, §19c and Employement Regulation §24a for professional drivers.

Warning:

The information provided in this article about the voluntary return procedure and skilled migration to Germany is comprehensive and accurate. Please carefully review your situation and consult with lawyers, legal experts, and professional consultants, and ensure that all necessary documents and conditions are fully met. We do not accept responsibility for the results of actions taken based on this information. The articles published on this site belong to us and cannot be used, reproduced, or published without permission or citation. Additionally, these articles do not constitute legal advice, and we do not accept responsibility for the results of actions taken based on this information. To avoid legal consequences, please contact a law firm or reach out to us.