The Home Office can arrange and pay for travel for some people who wish to return to their country of origin.
In some cases, additional financial assistance can be provided to support with reintegration needs upon return.
A person who returns voluntarily may avoid enforced removal and receive assistance with travel arrangements.
A person may be able to apply for voluntary return if they:
A person will usually need to obtain any travel documents required for their return.
Where a person is unable to obtain travel documents independently because of a vulnerability or other significant difficulty, the Home Office may be able to provide additional assistance.
A person may qualify for additional financial support of up to £3,000 to help them resettle in their country of return.
This may include people who are:
Applications can be made online or by contacting the Voluntary Returns Service.
A person will usually only have one opportunity to apply for an assisted return.
See the Home Office information about returning home voluntarily.
A person considering voluntary return should obtain advice from a regulated immigration adviser before making an application. It is important that they understand the impact that a voluntary return may have on their immigration status and future options.
If the person is seeking asylum, they may be asked to sign a declaration withdrawing their asylum claim.
A person who returns voluntarily with Home Office assistance may also be subject to a re-entry ban, depending on their immigration history and circumstances.
See our information about finding immigration and asylum advice.
Page updated: 07 August 2026
The status of a person whose asylum or immigration claim has been refused when they have come to the end of the appeal process without success or have no further right of appeal.
