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Guidance

Returning to DR Congo (accessible)

Published 15 September 2026

© Crown copyright 2026

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/returning-to-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo/returning-to-dr-congo-accessible

What assistance is provided?

Pre-departure information

Returning individuals can contact IRARA to discuss reintegration options in DR Congo.

Short term assistance

  • Airport Reception (upon request)

  • Accommodation for up to five nights

  • Transportation to an address in-country

  • Care and food provision packs

  • Small cash assistance for immediate needs

Services will only be available within 5 days of your return to DR Congo.

Medium term assistance

  • Assistance with finding and reuniting with family

  • Support with in-country documentation

  • Signposting to local services

  • Mental Health support

Long term assistance

Access to a Returnee Education and Entrepreneurship Fund for:

  • Support with accessing the local job market

  • Support with setting up a business

  • Support with accessing vocational training or further education

  • Assistance with legal migration opportunities to a third country

Who can get support?

If you are a Congolese national who has returned, or will be returned from the United Kingdom, IRARA can help you rebuild your life in DR Congo.

If you want support, then you must contact IRARA within 3 months following your return. Assistance will then be available for up to 12 months.

How to access support

If you are currently in the UK, contact the UK IRARA office using the details below.

If you have already returned to DR Congo, please contact the IRARA office in DR Congo using the details below.

About the programme

The Home Office Returns Reintegration Programme assists the return and reintegration of people in the United Kingdom with no legal status or right to remain.

The programme offers a wide range of services, providing assistance on arrival and longer-term support for persons returning to DR Congo.

About IRARA and FOMATEM

IRARA’s trusted partner in DRC, Fondation Maman Tecla Mpozi Muyumba (FOMATEM), is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable populations through social, educational, and economic initiatives. Together with IRARA, they provide tailored and expert reintegration services throughout DRC. This includes providing advice and support, counselling, skills training and other business support services

Contact information in DR Congo

Address:

Avenue Lac Kipopo No. 1892,
Lubumbashi Commune,
Lubumbashi,
DRC

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm

Email: reintegration@irara.org

Telephone: Lubumbashi: +243961914688, Kinshasa: +243960247329

IRARA in the UK

Office hours: 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Telephone: +44 (0)1433 627 247

Email: reintegration@irara.org

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