Germany returned almost 13,000 migrants in 2022
According to a spokesperson from Germany’s interior ministry, 12,945 migrants were returned from Germany during the course of 2022, a slight increase on the previous year.
voluntary returns
EU pushes for more irregular migrant deportations
The European Commission has presented a new strategy to increase the return of irregular migrants. EU member states were called on to work closer together as well as collaborate with EU authorities like Frontex.
Bavaria steps up support for voluntary return program
The German state of Bavaria is seeking to strengthen its reintegration support through the "Bavarian Return Program." So far, the program has supported over 3,400 people in their reintegration in their country of return.
'Despite all my efforts, I am still a migrant:' The blind spot of Moroccan migration policy
Morocco launched a new policy guaranteeing certain basic rights for migrants and refugees nearly a decade ago. It has since offered two regularization amnesties for undocumented migrants. But with progress now stalled, many see no escape but to return to their home countries.
'Significant numbers' of migrants to be sent back to Morocco from Spain
At the end of last week, Spain and Morocco initiated a new phase of bilateral relations between the two countries. More economic cooperation, new flight routes and a warmer political climate are planned. In return, Spain reportedly wants to fly back to Morocco migrants who do not qualify for asylum.
'Welcome in Peace': House opened in Senegal for returning migrants
The Bavarian office for Asylum and Returns has helped to open a house for migrants who choose to voluntarily return to Senegal. The house, called ‘Dalal Jam’ (Welcome in Peace) is designed to welcome returnees for up to four weeks.
Cyprus: Repatriation key to easing migration pressure
After fights broke out in a migrant reception camp on Cyprus on Tuesday and Wednesday, the country's Interior Minister said that repatriation would be key to easing overcrowding.
Lithuania pays 272 migrants to return home
The Lithuanian authorities have reportedly paid 272 migrants €1,000 to return home. According to the Polish satellite channel Belsat, the group will leave Lithuania next week on commercial flights.
Libya: 91 migrants repatriated to Niger
A group of 91 migrants was returned from Libya to Niger by UN migration agency IOM and Libyan authorities on Wednesday. Most of them were women and children.
Voluntary return from France: How does it work?
The French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) organizes street outreach activities for homeless migrants as well as in migrant reception centers. The aim is to encourage those who have been refused asylum or those without papers to return to their countries of origin.
Moroccan migrant in Malta begs for voluntary return: 'I want them to take me back to my parents'
A video published on the website of the Maltese newspaper Times of Malta shows footage purporting to be from inside the Safi military barracks on the island nation where migrants claim they are being held for months at a time. Conditions are so bad, some are begging to be allowed to return home.
Libya: First IOM migrant repatriation after 5-month pause
The UN migration agency carried out the first voluntary return flight in five months last week. More than 100 migrants from Ghana were flown to Accra.