Individual return assistance is tailored to the needs of persons who want to return voluntarily to their countries of origin. Currently, it consists of financial assistance on the one hand and practical assistance on the other.
If their case has progressed to the stage where they are living in a canton, candidates for return can obtain supplementary assistance of up to 3,000 francs to finance an individual reintegration plan in their country of origin. This plan may relate to their employment, education, housing or, if necessary, other matters. For special reintegration needs (e.g. professional and housing needs, cases of hardship or large families) supplementary assistance of up to CHF 5,000 and, in case of health problems, medical assistance can be granted on return.
Return assistance when travelling from federal asylum centres (FACs) provides the same payments. However, return assistance may be reduced in individual cases depending on the status of the asylum proceedings, the destination country and the applicant’s length of stay in Switzerland. The SEM reviews the system and the target group continuously and makes adjustments, if necessary.
Last modification 26.04.2021
