Voluntary return
UNHCR helps refugees decide whether to return by providing objective information about their country of origin and step-by-step guidance on the exit procedures in Malaysia.
Get in touch with UNHCR
If you are registered with UNHCR and would like to return to your home country, you can inform UNHCR of your interest to return by filling out the Voluntary Return form .
Upon receiving your intention to return, the Durable Solutions Unit (DSU) at UNHCR will contact you to schedule an appointment for voluntary repatriation counselling. During the counselling session, you will be provided with information – regarding the situation in your home country and immigration exit procedures – to help you arrive at an informed decision on whether you want to voluntarily return to your home country, or not. Following counselling, if you choose to return to your home country, you will be issued a Voluntary Repatriation Form (VRF). This document is required for your exit permit application with the Immigration authorities.
Please do not purchase your flight ticket before you attend your voluntary repatriation counselling session as it might go to waste. Possession of a flight ticket does not in any way translate into an earlier appointment for a counselling session with UNHCR.
Voluntary return FAQ
Please find below more detailed information on the voluntary repatriation process, as well as the scope of UNHCR Malaysia’s involvement in voluntary repatriation.
Obtaining general and case-specific information on voluntary return
The UNHCR Handbook on Voluntary Repatriation provides detailed information on UNHCR’s voluntary repatriation policy and practice. The Handbook is a public document.
There is no need to contact the Durable Solutions Unit by coming to the Office, or sending letters, faxes or emails. The Durable Solutions Unit will contact you if there is a need to resolve any pending issues in order to further assess and/ or assist with your voluntary return. It is therefore very important to keep your telephone number(s) and email address(es) updated with UNHCR by filling the Voluntary Return form so that the Office can contact you whenever required.
The scope of UNHCR Malaysia’s involvement in voluntary return
Voluntary Repatriation means the return to one’s country of origin voluntarily and under conditions of safety and dignity. UNHCR does not arrange, assist or facilitate travel to a neighbouring country.
A Voluntary Repatriation Form (VRF) is issued ONLY if an individual indicates intention to return to the country of origin.
After your application for refugee status is finally rejected upon appeal, you are no longer registered with UNHCR. As such, UNHCR will not be able to provide you with a Voluntary Repatriation Form (VRF). Instead, you may consider approaching IOM for counselling and potential support for return by sending them an e-mail at [email protected]. Support for return is subject to eligibility and availability of funds. Applicants will need to cover the costs for their exit permit and special pass.