Voluntary return
Voluntary return journeys are difficult to organise for a few destinations as a result of national and international measures against the spread of the coronavirus.
The teams of Fedasil, IOM and Caritas International continue to provide support to people who wish to return to their country of origin.
Migrants and social workers can call the free number 0800 32 745 for information, which is available every day from 9 am to 12.30 pm and from 1.30 pm to 4 pm. Fedasil return desks work only by appointment and in compliance with security measures against Covid-19. People can also turn to one of our many return partners, or to IOM and Caritas International.
The voluntary return programme is designed for all migrants, whether they are applicants for international protection, applicants who have been turned down or migrants without a residence permit. The return journey is organised from Belgium to the country of origin and includes transport costs and assistance for a smooth journey, all ensured in complete peace of mind and discretion.
Also, based on the migrant’s situation, the programme includes a return grant and reintegration support into the home country. This support can be used to develop a micro business, rent or renovate a home, pay back medical costs, etc.
In order to inform and assist migrants, Fedasil has desks in Brussel, Ghent, Antwerp, Liège and Charleroi. Alongside this, partner organisations (social services, NGOs, municipalities, migrant organisations, etc.) are also qualified to inform migrants about voluntary return and support them in their decision. For applicants for international protection, social workers and return counsellors are present at the reception centres.
Website voluntary return
To inform migrants and partner organisations, Fedasil has a website for voluntary return. Among other things, the site offers information in 17 languages, stories of returnees as well as various publications. To order our publications (brochures, posters) or for more information, please use our contact form.
Migrants who require further information about voluntary return can call the toll-free number: 0800 327 45, contact their social worker or one of the many contact points in Belgium.