The return policy aims to encourage voluntary and sustained repatriation of foreign nationals who are not allowed to remain in the Netherlands. The government subsidizes projects to offer former asylum seekers a new perspective in their country of origin if they return voluntarily.

Return assistance

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is responsable for the excecution of the ‘Return and Emigration Assistance from the Netherlands’ (REAN) programme. Via this programme foreign nationals get assistance to realise their departure from the Netherlands. The programme facilitates basic needs for return, like information, (plane) tickets and help to get travel documents. Check the list of eligible nationalities for return assistance.

Reintegration support

Apart from the assistance from REAN specific groups of foreign aliens can get extra support voor reintegration. This support consists of assistance in kind, for example assistance in setting up a business or education. Reintegration support is provided by DTenV, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Dutch ngo's such as Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland, Stichting Rotterdams Ongedocumenteerden Steunpunt (ROS), Stichting Solid Road, and Stichting WereldWijd.

Reintegration support consists of assistance immediately upon arrival in the country of origin and a benefit in kind during the first year after arrival:

  • Immediate assistance upon arrival worth 630 euros, consisting of a pickup service from the airport, transportation to the final destination, and temporary housing, or a cash payment if these services are not applicable;
  • Assistance of up to 2,450 euros per adult and 1,230 euros per minor family member. The majority of this is provided in kind (goods and services).

Support may include, for example, assistance with:

  • preparing for return through “empowerment”
  • establishing contact with family
  • obtaining or reacquiring source documents
  • translating certificates and diplomas
  • enrolling in vocational training or a course
  • developing an individual reintegration plan;
  • support in the country of origin in implementing the individual reintegration plan, such as starting a small business, looking for work, pursuing an education, or finding housing.

The repatriation projects are performed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other (local) non-governmental organizations. To provide reintegration support in the country of origin or destination, we work with partners in the country of origin.Funding is provided through the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVVR) program, the Subsidy Scheme for Supported Independent Departure (OZV), or the European Reintegration Program (EURP).

An overview of repatration projects currently being offered in the Netherlands can be found on the website of Refugee Help in many different languages.