Arrivederci, Homeward Boundaries: BAMF Launches Over 2K Verifications on Returning Refugees
Bamf Launches Over 2000 Probes into Refugees Following Their Journey to Their Native Land
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The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, or BAMF, in Germany, has initiated more than 2000 follow-ups regarding refugees who returned voluntarily to their originary homelands. Between November 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, a grand total of 2157 "withdrawal review procedures" were initiated due to transitory home journeys to their countries of abandon, according to a media report, as The World on Sunday revealed on Thursday.
This trend displayed Iraq as the most frequently visited home travel country, with an astonishing 762 cases, followed by Syria with 734, Afghanistan with 240, Iran with 115, and Turkey with 31 cases.
Once BAMF is made privy to a refugee's home visit, they commence a "withdrawal file" to trace the procedure's course. However, the office currently experiences a procedural delay with the country of origin, Syria, thus halting the further processing of said procedures.
The topic of refugees' home travel has been a topic of political discourse for quite some time. The former coalition administration agreed in its renowned security package following the tragedy in Solingen that asylum seekers would forfeit their asylum status should they travel to their original homelands. Exemptions apply for refugees from Ukraine and when the journey is deemed "morally imperative," such as attending a close relative's funeral, provided the authorities are notified in advance.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP
In-depth Insights: Repatriation and Reinforcement Opportunities
While the BAMF mainly focuses on verifying refugees who return voluntarily to their countries of origin, its policies also support and facilitate the voluntary return and integration of refugees. These efforts encompass financial and practical assistance.
Crucial Initiatives Enabling Repatriation and Reintegration
1. REAG/GARP 2.0:This joint federal and state program, initiated in 2024, assists refugees and migrants in Germany who struggle financially to leave Germany or are required or expected to do so. The program supports voluntary return to the originary country or resettlement in a third country that agrees to accept them, covering travel expenses and further extending reintegration support through the federal StarthilfePlus program.
2. European Reintegration Programme (EURP):Funded by Frontex, the EURP enlists a significant number of global and local partners to provide voluntary returnees with essential reintegration assistance. This support includes immediate short-term help (such as airport pickup and temporary housing) and long-term inclusion—including educational and vocational training and business setup help— for up to 12 months.
Financial Incentives for Distinct Groups
- Germany offers substantial monetary incentives to Syrian refugees, encouraging voluntary returns amid enhanced political conditions in Syria. These incentives involve grants of up to ~€4,555 per family (divided into ~€1,000 per adult, ~€500 per minor, travel allowances of ~€200 per adult and ~€100 per child, and medical aid of up to €2,000 if necessary). The BAMF has supported over 460 Syrian refugees taking advantage of these return incentives [2][5].
Larger Context and Key Implications
These repatriation and reintegration programs aim to mitigate migration pressures by empowering refugees who desire to return home or to a third country. By providing substantial logistical and financial assistance, they help reduce the risk of hardship or re-migration.
The numbers of returns from Germany have grown steadily from 2021 through early 2025, with a 55% increase in returns recorded in 2024 from the previous year, and nearly 4,000 returns in the first two months of 2025 [3].
Germany's repatriation policies reflect a strategic balance between offering integration prospects to those choosing to stay while encouraging and equipping voluntary returns. These initiatives focus on promoting returns while ensuring support for those making the journey, often with target incentives contingent upon the country of origin and current political climate.
- The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, or BAMF, in Germany, has initiated over 2000 follow-ups for refugees who returned voluntarily to their original homelands.
- Between November 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, a total of 2157 "withdrawal review procedures" were initiated due to transitory home journeys, as per a media report.
- The former coalition administration agreed that asylum seekers would forfeit their asylum status should they travel to their original homelands, a decision made in its renowned security package following the tragedy in Solingen.
- The BAMF's policies not only focus on verifying refugees returning voluntarily but also support and facilitate their voluntary return and integration, offering financial and practical assistance like the REAG/GARP 2.0 and European Reintegration Programme (EURP).
