Enhanced Voluntary Returns offer pilot: interim guidance (accessible version)
Updated 5 March 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/returns-preparation/enhanced-voluntary-returns-offer-pilot-interim-guidance-accessible-version
About this guidance
This guidance tells Home Office staff about a pilot, commencing in March 2026, which will offer an enhanced voluntary returns package as part of the voluntary return of a specific cohort of individuals.
Contacts
If you have any questions about the guidance and your line manager or senior caseworker cannot help you or you think that the guidance has factual errors then email National Returns Progression Command Process, Guidance and Quality Assurance Team. If you notice any formatting errors in this guidance (broken links, spelling mistakes and so on) or have any comments about the layout or navigability of the guidance then you can email the Guidance, Rules and Forms team.
Publication
Below is information on when this version of the guidance was published:
- version 1.0
- published for Home Office staff on 05 March 2026
Changes from last version of this guidance
New document.
About the pilot
This page tells you about the pilot, how contact is made, eligibility and any exclusions.
Pilot start date
A pilot will commence in March 2026 to offer an enhanced voluntary returns package as part of the voluntary return of a specific cohort of individuals.
Notification
A digital text message or email will inform the person that they may be eligible for the enhanced offer and provide a link to contact the Home Office to express their interest.
Eligibility
The offer will initially be made where the Home Office has identified claimants as failed asylum seeker (FAS) families, including spouse only family units and those with adult dependants (if under 18 at time of initial application) who:
- have no further asylum appeal rights
- are accommodated in hotel accommodation Following analysis of the pilot, the offer may be extended to other cohorts.
Exclusions
Exclusions from the pilot will align with the Voluntary and assisted departure guidance Voluntary and assisted departure guidance.