Voluntary return
Thinking about returning to your home country?
If you decide that you want to return voluntarily, support may be available to help you return safely and with dignity.
The type of assistance available depends on your legal status in Slovenia.
On these pages, you can find information about voluntary return and where to ask for advice.
If you are thinking about returning to your home country, you can ask for support with voluntary return.
Voluntary return means that you choose to return to your home country voluntarily. If you do not have enough financial resources to organise your return yourself, assistance may be available.
What happens to my application?
If you decide to return to your home country before a decision is made on your application for international protection, your asylum procedure in Slovenia will normally end.
Before making a decision, make sure you understand how returning may affect your application.
If you are unsure, ask for information or legal advice before deciding.
What support is available?
The Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants (GOSIM/UOIM), together with its partners, provides support to applicants for international protection who wish to return voluntarily to their home country.
Depending on your individual circumstances, support may include:
- information and return counselling;
- assistance with organising your journey; and
- financial support to cover the cost of your return, where applicable.
Who can I contact?
If you are interested in voluntary return, contact the Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants (GOSIM/UOIM).
Address:
Cesta v Gorice 15, 1000 Ljubljana
Phone:
+386 1 200 84 01
Email:
[email protected]
You can also speak to the staff at your reception centre if you would like more information.
Good to know
Returning to your home country is an important decision.
If you are unsure how returning may affect your application for international protection, ask for information before making your decision.
ℹ️ Official information
You can find more detailed information about voluntary return for applicants for international protection on the official website of the Government of Slovenia:
➡️ Voluntary return for applicants for international protection (Infotujci)
💡 Tip: The Infotujci website is available in several languages. You can change the language by selecting your preferred language in the top right-hand corner of the page.
If your application for international protection has been finally rejected, you are required to leave Slovenia.
You will usually be given a period of time to leave voluntarily.
If you do not leave within this period, the authorities may return you to your country of origin in accordance with Slovenian law.
Can I return voluntarily?
Yes.
If you decide to return to your home country voluntarily, assistance may be available to help you organise your return.
If you do not have enough financial resources to return on your own, you may be eligible for support through the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) Programme.
What support is available?
The AVRR Programme helps eligible migrants return safely and voluntarily to their country of origin.
Depending on your individual circumstances, support may include:
- return counselling;
- assistance with organising your journey;
- financial support to cover the cost of your return; and
- reintegration support after your return, where available.
The available assistance depends on your individual circumstances and the country to which you are returning.
Who can I contact?
If you are interested in voluntary return, contact the Return Counsellors at the Foreigners Centre.
Address
Veliki Otok 44z
6230 Postojna
Phone
+386 41 668 922
(Monday–Friday, 9:00–14:00)
Email
[email protected]
Good to know
Choosing voluntary return may allow you to receive support with organising your return.
If you are considering voluntary return, ask for information before your deadline to leave Slovenia expires.
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