Voluntary Returns

Voluntary return is an option open to persons who have no legal status in Ireland or those who have withdrawn their application for International Protection or had it refused. Voluntary Return is not available to persons who are considered to be a danger to the security of the State or to those who have been convicted of a particularly serious crime and are a danger to the community.

If you have previously held a legal permission or you have applied for International Protection in the State, it is important to let us know if you are leaving or have already left the State. This is important as it may stop a Deportation Order from issuing in your name or your children’s name after you have left. The implications of a Deportation Order being made against you are outlined below

If you are intending to leave the State, you have two options:

No, they are not the same. The clear benefit of opting for voluntary return is that it enables a person to return to the State at a future date if they establish a legal basis for doing so whereas a person who is the subject of a Deportation Order is legally obliged to leave the State and thereafter remain outside the State. In addition, a reintegration grant is available to some returnees who apply for voluntary return. This can help them cover the costs of setting up a small business or accessing further education upon return.

Voluntary return is not the same as a Deportation Order for the reasons outlined below:

Various options can be discussed as part of personal return counselling. You can request return counselling at any stage without this affecting the outcome of the Immigration proceedings: