Czechia helps foreigners go home through voluntary return program

Germany has seen a sharp rise in the number of migrants voluntarily returning to their countries of origin with government assistance this year, according to new figures, with more than 9,200 people using the program.

Czechia has a similar assisted voluntary return program, which can arrange and pay for travel home for eligible foreigners who cannot afford the journey themselves.

The Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, operated by the Ministry of the Interior, primarily covers transportation costs, including plane or bus tickets.

German program has seen a significant increase this year. Germany recorded 9,276 assisted voluntary returns in the first half of 2026, a 26 percent increase from the 7,348 recorded during the same period last year, according to Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

Syria was the most common destination, with 2,843 people returning there, followed by Turkey with 2,815. Russia, Colombia and Iraq were also among the leading destinations.

Germany's program provides more than transportation. Eligible returnees can receive a EUR 200 travel allowance, while citizens of selected countries can qualify for additional financial support to help them restart their lives after returning.

In the first half of 2025, 480 people returned to their countries of origin through the Interior Ministry's assisted voluntary return program. Another 24 people received assistance from the Refugee Facilities Administration, while the International Organization for Migration helped with 13 voluntary returns.

In 2024, 748 people used the Interior Ministry's program, with another 38 receiving assistance from the Refugee Facilities Administration.

The ministry says the program is designed to help people return home even when they lack the financial means to buy a ticket themselves.

“The Ministry of the Interior will purchase the plane ticket or ticket in the country of origin for foreigners,” the ministry states. “This means that the foreigner can travel even if he or she does not have enough financial resources to purchase it.”

The cost of transporting luggage is included in the ticket. In justified cases, the Czech government can also cover other expenses connected with the return and provide post-return assistance.

The program is specifically intended for voluntary returns, rather than forced deportations.

A voluntary return is chosen by the person leaving the country. The government helps arrange and pay for the journey, while a forced return involves authorities removing someone who is legally required to leave.

The distinction is becoming more relevant as European countries look for ways to increase the number of people who leave the EU after receiving a return decision.

Czechia has also backed proposals for EU return centers in third countries, but those plans concern people who have already been ordered to leave the EU and are separate from the existing voluntary-return program