REAG/GARP 2.0 , Date: 2024.02.16, format: Article, area: Return

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With the humanitarian support programme REAG/GARP 2.0 (Reintegration and Emigration Programme for Asylum-Seekers in Germany/Government Assisted Repatriation Programme), the federal government and the state governments help people to voluntarily return to their country of origin or to migrate to a country that is willing to accept them.

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees organizes and supervises the departure via both support programmes. The federal government and the federal states jointly determine the scope of the departure assistance each year. The currently valid support benefits are listed in the REAG/GARP 2.0 information sheet. The information sheet is available in several languages on the online portal "Returning from Germany" (see links in the tab below).

Voluntary departures to Syria, Yemen, Libya and Eritrea

Voluntary departures to Syria, Yemen, Libya (and Eritrea) are currently not processed via the REAG/GARP 2.0 programme. Returnees to one of these destination countries may however have the option of having their departure organised and assisted by a responsible agency in the federal Länder (e.g. the immigration authority or voluntary return counselling centres). After departure, the agency that has organised the voluntary return can submit an application for refinancing to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. The Federal Office can then reimburse part of the costs proportionately to the guidelines of the REAG/GARP 2.0 programme.

Please contact a return counselling centre close to you for further information www.ReturningfromGermany.de. If necessary, they can inform you about other existing support options offered by the individual federal Länder.

Please note that an application can only be submitted via a return counselling centre in charge for submitting applications.

Further information is available in the download area.

Non-Ukrainian third-country nationals from Ukraine REAG/GARP-eligible

By decision of the BMI/BAMF and the federal states, all (non-Ukrainian) third-country nationals from Ukraine who have left Ukraine in the course of the war and have entered Germany since 24.02.2022 and have been officially registered are fully eligible for REAG/GARP 2.0 and, if necessary, StarthilfePlus until further notice.

This decision is subject to short-term changes on the part of the federal government and the federal states.

The application documents and further information can be found on www.ReturningfromGermany.de in the login area.

Eligibility

In principle, third-country nationals without means who are staying in Germany and wish to return to their country of origin are eligible for REAG/GARP 2.0 funding. However, there is no legal entitlement to funding! Costs for the preparation of a departure (e.g. fees for passports/visas, trips to the consular office) must be applied for from the cost bearer (e.g. social welfare office).

Departure

Contact

Federal Office for Migration and Refugees - return hotline

Frankenstraße 210
90461 Nuremberg

Phone +49 911 943 - 0
Fax: +49 911 943 - 1000
E-mail: Write a message

Valid travel documents and, if necessary, entry visas for the destination country are required for departure. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees only processes applications with valid travel documents and the necessary visas. The German Federal Foreign Office provides information on current entry requirements (see links in the tab below). The border crossing certificate (Grenzübertrittsbescheinigung) is proof of actual departure. The document should be handed in at the German border authorities or German consular missions in the destination country.

An application is required for departure and the granting of benefits. The application is submitted to a return counseling center. Counseling centers also help you prepare for your return. Return counselling centers provide comprehensive advice on the preparation and organization of a departure/return. The information portal "Returning from Germany" offers a search function for a return counseling center near you. REAG/GARP 2.0 funding is only available on application.

How to apply

The application includes, among other things

  • Information about the person/family members
  • Declaration of voluntary departure
  • Declaration of permanent non-entry into the German federal territory

The application must be signed in person by the applicant(s)!

In addition, pending appeals to authorities and courts (e.g. measures under residence law) must be withdrawn at the time of application.

Where to apply

Applications for REAG/GARP 2.0 funding are accepted by

  • Municipal and state authorities (e.g. immigration authorities, social welfare offices)
  • Specialist counseling centers, welfare associations, central return counseling centers

and forward them to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. Further contact will be made from there.

Data protection

Personal details and supporting documents are mandatory for funding. The data protection regulations are fully observed.