Information provision messages

Throughout the reception pathway, general information on return – including both voluntary and forced return – should be provided to all applicants. This helps the persons to understand the procedures and, where applicable, make informed decisions about their options. 

This information should include:

• The right of applicants to return at any time during their asylum procedure. 
• Possible outcomes of the asylum procedure and implications of receiving a return decision (the person must leave the Member State and is subject to a return procedure).
• What return is and in what situations an applicant might be channelled to return. For example:
  • Their application for international protection is rejected, abandoned or implicitly withdrawn, including the situation when the applicant voluntarily renounces the asylum procedure. 
  • Their application is deemed inadmissible (e.g. they came through a safe third country, they have protection in another Member State).
  • Their application is being examined within the asylum border procedure and their application is rejected as inadmissible or unfounded. 
• The role of the reception authority in the return of former applicants, according to the national practice (e.g. information provision, referral).
• The authorities and organisations responsible for providing information and organising return procedures, and which one(s) could support applicants to make informed decisions and, if the case, organise their return.
• The different return modalities and the differences between the two return procedures: 
  • voluntary return: allows returnees the freedom to choose how they return to the country of origin or a third country, with full access to available assistance 
  • forced return: compulsory process with additional legal consequences (e.g. possible detention, entry ban, escorted removal with potential use of proportional force in certain situations), if the returnee does not comply with the obligation to return.
• Applicants who choose to voluntarily withdraw their application for international protection and return voluntarily are issued a return decision and can leave the country either through their own arrangements or with the assistance of a voluntary return programme.
• If issued a return decision following a decision on their application, the return procedure may take the form of either voluntary return or forced return, depending on each person’s situation. 

Separate general information on both forms of return is provided below.

Voluntary return

• What is voluntary return (option for applicants who choose to return to their home country or another country that will admit them, with the support of authorities or relevant organisations).
• Voluntary departure means leaving the country on your own, within the time period specified in the return decision. 
• Participation in voluntary return is entirely based on the individual’s free and personal decision, including the right to withdraw consent at any stage of the voluntary return programme.
• Why voluntary return is preferred, when available, as it: 
  • allows returnees the freedom to choose and more control over their return procedure
  • provides an opportunity to return without facing the full extent of the legal consequences of forced return (e.g. detention, entry ban)
  • means assistance with travel arrangements
  • means reintegration assistance, in kind or in the form of cash support.
• How to access voluntary return. Name the authorities who could provide more information, counselling and support with voluntary return, for example: 
  • national authorities providing return counselling and programmes
  • international organisations (e.g. International Organization for Migration) and non-governmental organisations.
• General presentation of the safeguards ensured during voluntary return, the services and reintegration assistance available to vulnerable persons and persons with special needs.

Forced return

• What is forced return (a measure applied with the purpose of physically transporting the person out of the Member State where they do not have a legal right to stay, either to their country of origin or to another country). 
• Forced return is regulated in EU and national law and can only be carried out in the following conditions: 
  • after a return decision was issued
  • if the person did not return voluntarily or did not comply with the obligation to return within the period granted for voluntary departure
  • in compliance with fundamental rights, including the principle of non-refoulement (applicants could not be sent to countries where they risk facing persecution or serious harm)
  • with respect to the person’s dignity, considering their health, safety and special needs. 
• To whom forced return applies (to applicants who could not be voluntarily returned, mainly because they might try to abscond, have not complied with a return decision, or pose a risk to national security or public order).
• The possible consequences of forced return according to the national practice (e.g. use of force, detention, temporary entry ban). 
• Who is responsible for conducting forced return: 
  • national authorities (e.g. migration, border authorities)
  • Frontex may assist with and coordinate return operations, including by carrying out its own return operations, also in cooperation with other Member States. Frontex could provide forced return counselling as well as services and reintegration assistance for vulnerable persons and persons with special needs.
  • independent monitors and organisations oversee forced return operations to ensure respect for fundamental rights.

For more detailed information messages as well as background information on voluntary and forced return please refer to the dedicated Sections Voluntary return and Forced return. 

Practical tips

• Be aware that many people may be reluctant to consider return and may mistrust officials. Therefore, personnel providing information should be specifically trained in communication skills, including active listening and conflict-sensitive approaches.
• Voluntary and forced return should be presented together during the info sessions, as they mutually reinforce each other: awareness of the forced return option may encourage individuals to opt more readily for voluntary return.
• Several communication channels could be used to convey information on voluntary return, adapted to the applicant’s communication needs, including: 
  • printed materials (e.g. leaflets, posters, brochures developed by both the reception authority and other authorities and organisations)
  • oral (one-to-one or group information sessions, return counselling, dedicated phone line)
  • digital communication (e.g. official websites, social media platforms))
  • audiovisual (e.g. animations, videos).
• Oral communication plays a vital role in instilling trust among the applicants. It ensures that individuals receive personalised guidance and feedback on their questions. It empowers them to understand and make informed decisions.
• Give applicants sufficient time and space to ask questions and express their views and concerns freely. Professionals providing information or counselling should avoid giving any personal judgement about the applicant’s decision or actions.
• For people willing to receive more information, refer them to the authorities or organisations that could support them. Provide their contact details. 
• Whenever available, use tailored information materials for persons with special needs (children, survivors of torture or gender-based violence, persons with mental health disorders, disabilities and serious illness, victims of human trafficking, elderly persons, single parents, LGBTQIA+, illiterate persons). 
  Examples include specific booklets or books for children; oral communication channels, animated video or animations/infographics for illiterate persons; or involvement of specifically trained staff. Such resources are available on the Frontex microsite dedicated to return of vulnerable persons. 
• Making the decision to return voluntarily requires time. Provide clear information, repeating or clarifying it when needed. Maintain open dialogue with the applicant to support informed decisions.