Stuttgart – Free flights plus small start-up assistance!
Baden-Württemberg offers asylum seekers without a right to remain the opportunity to return voluntarily to their countries of origin – and offers free flights and a small start-up grant.
►By the end of June, 1,533 people had left the country voluntarily, as State Secretary in the Ministry of Migration, Siegfried Lorek (CDU), announced in Stuttgart. In 2023, the number was 2,327 people. The Ministry of Migration assumes that the numbers this year will exceed those of the previous year, provided that the general conditions do not change.
Most departures from Refugeeswhich are also offered by the other federal states, were carried out this year from the southwest to North Macedonia, Turkey and Georgia. Lorek said: “We are deliberately promoting voluntary departure because we are convinced that this is an effective way of getting people who do not have the right to stay here out of the country.”
Siegfried Lorek, State Secretary in the Ministry of Migration
Period of seven to 30 days
►Foreigners who do not have the right to remain in Germany should primarily comply with their obligation to leave the country by leaving voluntarily. Those affected are generally given a period of seven to 30 days to do so when threatened with deportation.
Lorek said that, in contrast, forced deportation involves considerable organizational and financial expenditure. The costs for the country are significantly higher in the case of deportation, as additional security measures, accompanying personnel and complex logistics are often necessary.
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Lorek continued: “Part of a regulated migration policy is that we enforce these exit obligations. However, voluntary departure remains the more cost-effective approach, so we encourage it wherever possible.”
Die Travel expenses are borne by the country. In addition, returnees receive a grant for expenses during the trip, generally amounting to 200 euros. Minors receive 100 euros. In addition, depending on the nationality of the returnee, start-up aid of 1,000 euros can be granted. For example, for Nigeria, Pakistan or Armenia.
