In This Section
I want to leave Ireland and return to my country of origin:
Why do I need to tell the State that I have left?
What are my options?
Is Voluntary Return the same as a being deported?
What do you get if you avail of the voluntary return programme?
What is a reintegration grant?
I am in the International Protection process and applied before 28 September 2025
I am in the International Protection process and applied after 28 September 2025
I am illegal in the State and do not have a deportation order
Who Do I Contact and How do I Apply?
If you require Confidential Voluntary Return Counselling Services:
I want to leave Ireland and return to my country of origin:
Voluntary return is an option open to persons who have no legal status in Ireland or those who have withdrawn their application for International Protection or had it refused.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.
Why do I need to tell the State that I have left?
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
What are my options?
If you are intending to leave the State, you have two options:
Is Voluntary Return the same as a being deported?
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:
| Voluntary Return | Deportation |
|---|---|
| It is voluntary | It is not voluntary. It is enforced |
| No detention | Risk of detention |
| No escorts on the return journey | Escorted to your country of origin |
| Financial assistance available post arrival in some cases | No options for assistance post arrival |
| You will travel like any other passenger | Authorities in your country are made aware |
| No re-entry ban for Ireland or EU | Lifetime-entry ban for Ireland and EU |
| You may return to Ireland in a legal manner |
What do you get if you avail of the voluntary return programme?
What is a reintegration grant?
A reintegration grant is a combination of money given to you either on a pre-paid debit card or in kind when you return home.
When you are leaving Dublin airport, you will receive some of your grant on a prepaid debit card, which you can use immediately when you arrive home. This is the same as cash.
The rest of the grant will be in kind and may help you to set up a small business or attend an education course when you return home. IOM will contact you when you return home and explain how you can receive the rest of your grant.
I am in the International Protection process and applied before 28 September 2025
For a limited time only, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration are increasing the reintegration grant you could receive through our voluntary return programme.
You could now be eligible for the following:
When you are leaving, you will receive some of your grant on a prepaid debit card, which you can use immediately when you arrive home.
When you return home, IOM will then contact you explaining how you can receive the rest of your grant.
If you are interested in this limited offer, or have any questions, please talk to the Voluntary Returns team, full contact details are available below.
I am in the International Protection process and applied after 28 September 2025
The increased reintegration assistance is only available to persons who applied for International Protection in Ireland prior to 28 September 2025.
If you have applied for International Protection in Ireland after this date, you may still be eligible for reintegration assistance when you choose to voluntary return to your country of origin or place of habitual residence.
You may apply for €1200 as an individual or €2000 for a family.
When you are leaving, you will receive some of your grant on a prepaid debit card, which you can use immediately when you arrive home. The rest of the grant will be in kind and may help you to set up a small business or attend an education course.
To find out more please see the details below.
I am illegal in the State and do not have a deportation order
The increased reintegration assistance is only available for persons in the International Protection process who applied for International Protection in Ireland prior to 28 September 2025.
If you are undocumented in the State, and you do not have an International Protection application, you may still eligible for reintegration assistance when you choose to voluntary return to your country of origin or place of habitual residence.
You may apply for €1200 as an individual, capped at €2000 for a family.
When you are leaving, you will receive some of your grant on a prepaid debit card, which you can use immediately when you arrive home, the rest of the grant will be in kind and may help you to set up a small business or attend an education course.
Who Do I Contact and How do I Apply?
To apply for assistance please download the Voluntary Return Application Form.
Enquiries regarding Voluntary Returns can be addressed to:
2nd Floor
City West Campus
Saggart
Dublin
Website: www.irishimmigration.ie/voluntary-returns
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +353877193579
If you require Confidential Voluntary Return Counselling Services:
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: