Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) stories of return
Updated 8 August 2023
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Introduction
This collection of stories contains examples of how the Voluntary Returns Service has helped individuals to return home and also personal testimonials from people who have contacted and used the Voluntary and Returns Service (VRS).
Each individual who contacts the VRS will have their own specific needs, which the service aims to support to create a smooth journey. Many cases will present different challenges that the VRS caseworkers have experience in how to overcome. These case studies illustrate how the VRS supports a diverse range of personal circumstances to facilitate voluntary return journeys.
These case studies are based on interactions and information shared between the individuals and caseworkers.
We are always looking to add case studies to this bank. If you have used the service previously and would like to tell your story, get in touch at vrscommunication@homeoffice.gov.uk.
1. Overstayer and illegal worker receives help to return to India
Sandeep[footnote 1], a 30 year old Indian national, initially entered the UK as a student with a valid visa to study. However, he failed to leave the UK once his visa expired, and instead he began working despite having no permission and later claimed asylum.
Before his asylum claim had been considered, he absconded from the UK authorities.
What changed?
Six years later during an Immigration Enforcement visit, Sandeep was encountered and he confirmed his student visa had expired and he had no permission to work.
What happened next?
As a person liable for removal, Sandeep was detained in order to facilitate his removal. Subsequently, he claimed asylum and was released but absconded again. Four years later, he decided to contact the Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) to help him to return to India safely and quickly. He advised that he wished to leave the UK.
A VRS caseworker was assigned to Sandeep and, using a Punjabi interpreter, advised him about the support available to help him voluntarily return home. The caseworker also explained that Sandeep would need to withdraw his asylum claim, which he understood and agreed to.
How the VRS helped
Sandeep entered the UK using his Indian passport, which had expired. He required an emergency travel document to return home but could not afford the payment to the Embassy.
As he still held in his possession his original passport, the VRS used partnerships with Immigration Compliance and Enforcement teams in West Midlands and Scotland to arrange for the Emergency Travel Document (ETD) to be issued.
Within 4 weeks the travel document had been issued.
Financial support from the Home Office was also made available to Sandeep to assist with his initial resettlement back into India.
How long did it take?
Just 2 weeks after he received his travel document from the Indian Embassy, Sandeep travelled to India.
He was grateful for the assistance and support he received from the Home Office to help him return to India.
2. Asylum seeker receives help to return to Iran
Farhad[footnote 1], a 43 year old Iranian national, had sought to enter the UK illegally using a counterfeit passport. However, he claimed asylum on his arrival after speaking to Border Force officials at Heathrow Airport.
Before his asylum claim had been considered, he requested to return to Iran to be reunited with his family. But to return, he required documentation.
What changed?
Before his asylum claim could be considered by the Home Office, Farhad received a call from his family in Iran. They advised him that the situation at home had changed.
His wife revealed that they were struggling financially, and his 2 sons were struggling emotionally.
What happened next?
Farhad then decided to contact the Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) to help him to return to Iran safely and quickly.
A caseworker was assigned to Farhad and advised him about the consequences of voluntarily returning home.
If he was to continue with his request to return to Iran, then he would have to withdraw his asylum claim. His application would then be deemed invalid.
With 2 young boys and a wife left back home, he was desperate to return to provide support financially and emotionally.
How the VRS helped
When Farhad entered the UK, his Iranian passport was destroyed by the agent he used. He required an emergency travel document to return home.
He was able to provide the caseworker with a PDF version of his passport. The caseworker was then able to arrange for a meeting with the Iranian Embassy and a travel document was issued within 12 days.
Whilst Farhad’s emergency travel document was being processed, the VRS worked with Returns Logistics to arrange a swift departure flight for him.
Financial support from the Home Office was also made available to Farhad to assist with his initial resettlement back into Iran.
How long did it take?
Just 6 weeks after he had initially contacted the VRS, Farhad was able to rejoin his family in Iran.
He was grateful for the timely assistance and support he received from the Home Office to reunite him with his wife and children.
3. Brazilian family get help to return during COVID-19 pandemic
Pedro[footnote 1] and Maria[footnote 1], Brazilian nationals, were living in the UK with their 4 year old son, but had overstayed the terms of their 6-month visit visa.
They had been struggling financially and decided that they should leave the UK. However, they were unable to return to Brazil without additional support.
How the VRS helped
Pedro contacted the Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) to explain the family’s position and asked for help to return home to Brazil.
We explained how the service could help Pedro and his family, arranged a flight to Brazil and organised financial aid for when they returned home.
The assigned caseworker and Pedro also discussed how and when they would get to the airport as well as the various COVID-19 restrictions that were in place with international air travel at that time.
The challenge
On the day of the family’s flight, we received a call from a Home Office colleague at Heathrow Airport explaining that the family had been refused boarding by the airline. The airline had requested additional evidence of Pedro and Maria’s COVID-19 vaccination status.
What did the VRS do?
We got in contact with the family immediately and explained how to download the COVID-19 travel certificate.
Once confirmed, we arranged for an alternative departure for later the same day.
The new flight details were shared with the family within 2 hours from the initial conversation. We ensured everything was in place for the departure to proceed and were on hand until they had successfully checked in.
4. Overstayer receives help to return to India
Rickesh[footnote 1], a 30 year old Indian national, had entered the UK on a student visa. His leave was cancelled 6 months after he arrived when he had failed to study at his university.
Rickesh submitted an application to remain in the UK on the basis that his brother was also in the UK. His application was refused and he did not appeal.
What happened next?
After his visa was cancelled, Rickesh stayed in the UK without leave to remain. He failed to report to the Home Office and was known to the authorities as an absconder.
Four years later, he contacted the Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) for advice. He had already booked his flight back to India but needed his passport to travel.
How the VRS helped
Our caseworker helped to facilitate Rickesh’s return on the date his flight was booked. Although there was not a lot of time, the caseworker arranged to have his passport taken by courier to the airport where Home Office staff would handle it before his departure.
They also drew up a checklist of what would be required. This included making Rickesh aware that he would need to take a COVID-19 test before departure to meet Indian entry requirements and also download the necessary paperwork when checking in.
How long did it take?
Despite the short deadlines and COVID-19 requirements, Rickesh returned to India just 8 days after he had initially contacted the VRS.
Rickesh was pleased that he was able to rejoin his family in India and was grateful for the advice and direction of the VRS caseworkers.
5. Samir voluntarily returns to Bangladesh
Samir[footnote 1], a 39 year old Bangladeshi national, entered the UK on a student visa. When he attempted to reapply for further leave as a student, his application was refused as he did not meet the criteria.
He remained in the UK as an overstayer for a further 10 years, during which he submitted other applications to regularise his stay. These were all refused for various reasons by the Home Office.
Samir engaged with the Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) twice before returning to Bangladesh.
The initial contact
Samir realised it was the right time to return to Bangladesh. He contacted the VRS after booking his own ticket and sought a travel document from the Bangladeshi High Commission.
A month after getting in touch with the VRS for assistance and being in contact with his caseworker, Samir made the decision to withdraw his interest in a voluntary return. He decided instead to appeal one of the refusals he had received from the Home Office.
He explained that he had received a date for his appeal hearing and wanted to remain in the UK whilst this was outstanding. Once this was finalised, he would consider recontacting the VRS if he was unsuccessful in his appeal.
What happened next?
Two months after withdrawing his interest in returning voluntarily, Samir re-engaged with the VRS and requested assistance to return.
Samir self-funded his return by booking his own flight to Bangladesh and received his travel document from the Bangladeshi High Commission.
How long did it take?
Just 18 days after re-engaging with the VRS, Samir returned to Bangladesh.
6. Sandra’s story of voluntary return to St Lucia
Sandra[footnote 1] came to the UK on a visitor’s visa. She overstayed her visitor’s visa and then her passport expired which caused problems. She needed support to return to St Lucia and turned to the Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) for help.
Why did you come to the UK?
I came to the UK from St Lucia on a visitor’s visa, initially to stay with my cousin. I overstayed my visa and then ran into problems when my passport also expired. I tried to apply for a new one in St Lucia, but they never returned my passport.
Initially I lived with my cousin in Watford and then moved between different friends’ houses. I couldn’t work and relied on money from my parents who sent it from St Lucia.
I really struggled during this time and my family were really worried about me. I wanted to return home, but I didn’t know how to without my passport. My son was also born during this time.
How did you find out about the VRS?
I was in contact with social services, and they told me about the service. They helped me complete the application form for an assisted return with my son.
What was the process like?
I spoke to the VRS team and they explained that they could help source emergency travel documents for us. They also explained that because St Lucia is defined as a developing country, I would also be eligible for £6,000 through the financial assistance scheme. £3,000 each for me and my son. They confirmed all the information through a letter.
The process was quite straightforward, and my mother emailed a copy of my birth certificate to be used as a proof of ID. Most of the communication was done over email.
They also arranged for me to travel to central London to visit the High Commission who gave me emergency travel documents on the same day. It was such a relief to receive the documents after years without them.
The VRS team booked a flight for us to travel home and I was met at Heathrow Airport by a VRS rep who gave me a £6,000 cash card.
How did you feel?
I couldn’t wait to leave the cold and return home to the sunshine. My mother had cooked a special return meal for me, and my family met me at the airport. My parents were so happy I came home as they had been so worried about me in the UK, with no money.
I am now living with my mother, brother and baby son. I spent the VRS money on nappies and milk for my son and to travel to job interviews.
Was it the right decision?
If you are in the UK without papers and without money, then it takes its toll. I know some people do not want to use the VRS because they receive a ban and cannot return immediately, but for me it was the best option and I now have some money to settle back home with my son.
7. Homeless individual gets help to return to Nigeria
Stephen[footnote 1], a 67 year old Nigerian national, had entered the UK using a 6-month visitor’s visa but he had not sought to extend his stay.
Four years after his visa had expired, he decided it was the right time to return to Nigeria. Stephen had been struggling with his health and faced difficulties in trying to find suitable accommodation – resulting in homelessness.
How did he find out about the VRS?
Stephen had a discussion with Coventry Adult Services who referred him to the VRS.
Were there any challenges?
Various factors made his voluntary return to Nigeria a challenging operation for those involved.
During the initial conversation, the caseworker was aware of the safeguarding matters involved and was considerate towards Stephen’s circumstances. They also discussed whether returning to Nigeria was the right decision for him.
Stephen explained that he understood the options available to him and that returning to Nigeria was in his best interests.
He was able to manage his own medical needs, but he needed to vacate his temporary accommodation within days and had lost his passport.
How the VRS helped
Due to his vulnerabilities, the VRS made some urgent referrals. Emergency Home Office accommodation was arranged for Stephen whilst his return to Nigeria was being prepared to avoid him sleeping rough.
The VRS engaged with various stakeholders to support Stephen’s application for an emergency travel document. This included support from Coventry Adult Services, the Nigerian High Commission, local Immigration Enforcement officers and the Home Office’s Returns Logistics.
While Stephen’s travel document application was being processed, his valid passport had been found. This enabled the VRS to speed up the process and arrange a departure flight.
The VRS worked with the medical escort contractor and the airline to ensure Stephen’s health needs were suitably accommodated during his flight.
Stephen also received financial support from the Home Office to assist with his initial resettlement back into Nigeria.
How long did it take?
Stephen returned to Nigeria to join his family 3 weeks after he had initially contacted the VRS. He expressed his gratitude for the help he received from the Home Office in reuniting him with his family.
8. Terminally ill man receives help to return to India
Jai[footnote 1] was homeless and had been diagnosed with advanced terminal cancer. He wanted to return to India to be with his family.
A homeless charity in the UK who was supporting him contacted Immigration Compliance and Enforcement in West London.
The immigration officer asked the Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) to help with his departure.
Who was involved?
Jai’s support worker from the charity got in touch with Immigration Enforcement in West London about his request to travel back to India.
He needed help obtaining a travel document. An immigration officer was immediately sent to the hospital Jai was in to complete the paperwork and send this to the Indian High Commission.
Why the VRS was contacted
The VRS was contacted by the immigration officer. They needed help with arranging the flight and making sure it matched the travel document timescales and Jai’s hospital release date.
With support from the VRS, the charity and the hospital, preparations were in place to ensure a smooth plan for Jai’s return.
How the VRS helped
Due to Jai’s deteriorating condition, the VRS worked quickly to ensure a flight, medic and the travel document were ready as soon as possible.
The VRS maintained regular contact with the immigration officer and Jai’s representatives, providing updates and ensuring his return was not delayed.
How long did it take?
From the date we were first contacted, the VRS were able to help Jai return home within 26 days.
Once his travel document was ready, it was collected by the immigration officer who then picked up Jai from the hospital and took him to the airport. The immigration officer remained with him until his flight had departed to make sure he was safe and to help with any last-minute issues.
A few days after his arrival in India, the immigration officer received a call to say that Jai had arrived safely and was at home with his family.
9. 17 year old child is reunited with family in Albania
Artur[footnote 1], a 17 year old Albanian national, entered the UK illegally via a small boat across the English Channel. He had fled from his family who had travelled together to France because his father had been abusive towards him.
Upon arrival into the UK, he claimed asylum and also stated that he had been trafficked.
What happened next?
Artur was placed into the care of social services whilst his Home Office applications were considered. However after just two months in the UK, Artur went missing from his accommodation and his whereabouts were unknown until he was found by the British Transport Police. He explained to them that he wanted to return to his uncle in Albania.
How the VRS helped
The police referred Artur back into the care of social services, who in turn contacted the VRS to assist with his return to Albania. Working alongside social services, VRS conducted appropriate safeguarding checks to ensure that Artur could safely travel home and that his uncle could provide safe reception arrangements in Albania.
VRS arranged for a flight and a travel document to enable Artur to make his journey home as well as arranged for Artur to formally withdraw his asylum and trafficking applications. This was necessary to proceed with his voluntary departure.
What happened on the day of Artur’s flight?
Artur’s social worker wanted to give him a lift to the airport and help him find his way to his flight. The VRS worked with the social worker to make sure they knew the flight details and had also arranged for Artur to receive £3,000 financial support to help him resettle back into Albania. This was given to Artur on a pre-paid cash card along with his travel document.
Artur returned safely to Albania to live with his uncle, and he was grateful for the assistance provided by VRS and social services.
10. Medical support given to Venezuelan individual returning home
Mauricio[footnote 1], a 74 year old Venezuelan national, had overstayed his visit visa. He required medical support able to return to Venezuela to be reunited with family and to aid his recovery from a stroke.
Mauricio came to the UK to visit his sister and brother-in-law. He overstayed the terms of his visa and then suffered a stroke along with further complications. This led to Mauricio being unresponsive and requiring close medical care. The prognosis was that his recovery would be long, with uncertainty around how well he would recover.
What happened next?
Mauricio was transferred to an acute stroke unit, where he received constant medical care. He communicated with his sister and brother-in-law that he would like to return to Venezuela to continue his recovery there. Mauricio’s sister explored options to support his desire to return to Venezuela, but was not able to arrange for the support that would be required.
How the Voluntary Returns Service helped
Mauricio’s brother-in-law was made aware of the support that VRS can provide and completed the online form to apply for VRS support. The VRS caseworker worked with Mauricio’s family to help arrange the support required. A letter of authority was obtained, and a mental health assessment completed to confirm Mauricio’s desire to return to Venezuela.
Arrangements were made with the medical support service to complete pastoral visits. These visits, conducted alongside NHS staff at the hospital, assessed what support was required to transfer Mauricio from hospital to the airport, during the flights, and for a handover with the care facility in Venezuela. Flights were arranged and shared with his family as they wished to book flights to travel alongside him and spend time in Venezuela with him.
VRS also arranged for Mauricio to receive £3,000 in financial support to help him upon return to Venezuela.
What was the outcome of the support VRS provided?
Mauricio’s family emailed the caseworker from Venezuela a few days after the flight. They were extremely grateful for the support VRS provided in arranging the return and for the support the medical team gave throughout the journey. They advised that this support helped them feel confident throughout the process.
They advised that Mauricio was very happy to be back in Venezuela and the cultural aspects – warmer weather, food, people, language – were making a big difference. Mauricio was already settled and responding well. They also shared a photograph of Mauricio at the care home, happy and enjoying the weather.
In the face of serious medical challenges, Mauricio was able to safely return to Venezuela . This led to very promising early signs for his recovery and happiness.
11. Slovakian homeless man is helped to return home
Tomas[footnote 1] travelled to the UK as a visitor from Slovakia, and then after 2 months he made an application to remain in the UK through the EU Settlement Scheme. However, his Settlement application did not meet the requirements and it was subsequently refused. Tomas could not find any regular source of income and soon found himself homeless.
What happened to Tomas?
Tomas sought help from Ipswich Borough Council, who were able to provide him with some temporary accommodation, but Tomas continued to struggle with the lack of income and the absence of a stable home. Tomas remained in this unstable position for several months. Tomas then sought advice from Citizen’s Advice, who talked to him about the Voluntary Returns Service, and Tomas decided that returning to Slovakia was the best decision for him.
How did the VRS help?
With the help of Citizen’s Advice, Tomas applied for voluntary return to Slovakia using the VRS online application form. Ipswich Borough Council contacted the Home Office Homelessness Escalations Service (HES) to confirm that Tomas was at risk of rough sleeping and to explain that his temporary accommodation would cease in around one week. HES escalated Tomas’s VRS application for a priority decision to mitigate the risk of him rough sleeping. Tomas requested VRS help with the cost of a flight home and his travel to the airport. His VRS caseworker also informed him that, given his vulnerabilities, Tomas would be eligible to receive some financial assistance to support his reintegration upon return to Slovakia.
What arrangements were put in place?
Using an interpreter, the VRS caseworker confirmed that Tomas held a valid passport and that he did not require any medical support during his journey. VRS then booked a flight to Slovakia to coincide with the end of his temporary accommodation. Tomas was sent his financial assistance card and copies of his travel papers, and Tomas left the UK directly from his temporary accommodation.
12. Iraqi asylum seeker wanted to return home
Ali[footnote 1], an Iraqi national, had attempted to enter the UK illegally on a small boat but he was rescued at sea by UK Border Force when his vessel became at risk of sinking in the English Channel. Ali claimed asylum upon arrival into the UK.
What happened next?
Whilst Ali’s asylum application was being considered, he began suffering with mental health issues and had become fed up with life in the UK. Ali realised that he wanted to return to Iraq and he learnt about the Voluntary Returns Service whilst searching the internet, and he applied online. With the help of an interpreter, Ali explained to VRS that he would need his flight to be paid for and that he also needed travel documentation.
How the VRS helped
VRS assigned Ali a dedicated caseworker to support him through the assisted return process, providing as little or as much support as he needed. The caseworker explained to Ali that he could withdraw from the voluntary return process at any point, and also explained that he would need to withdraw his asylum application if he wanted to return to Iraq, which Ali agreed to do.
Ali stated that he didn’t have a passport or travel document when he travelled to the UK, so his caseworker discussed with Ali about how to make contact with the Iraqi Embassy to initiate the application. After 8 weeks, Ali was given an Emergency Travel Document and arrangements were made for his journey to Iraq.
The case worker arranged for Ali’s flight ticket to be sent to the airport and for staff there to assist him in checking in for the flight where he boarded a regular scheduled flight to Baghdad.
13. Homeless man receives medical and practical support to return to Ghana
Alex[footnote 1], a Ghanaian national, arrived into the UK using a Student Visa, studying Engineering at the University of Portsmouth. At the end of his studies, Alex did not apply for further permission to stay in the UK, nor did he return to Ghana. Alex found himself unable to work and was soon sleeping rough.
How did Alex get help?
After spending several months living on the streets, Alex spoke to Citizen’s Advice in Portsmouth, who informed him about the support available through the Voluntary Returns Service to return to Ghana. Alex had lost his passport, but was told that the VRS could help him to get a travel document and also arrange for a flight to Ghana and provide him with some financial assistance too. Citizen’s Advice agreed to complete an online VRS application on Alex’s behalf and also be his representative and point of contact during this VRS process.
What happened to Alex?
Soon after his VRS application, Alex was admitted as an in-patient to a mental health hospital, and the VRS caseworker continued to work with Alex’s nominated representative at Citizen’s Advice to ensure that he was able to return to Ghana when he was well enough to do so. An Emergency Travel Document was secured from the Ghanaian High Commission, and the hospital were eventually able to declare Alex as fit to fly.
How did the VRS support Alex’s departure?
VRS worked with the hospital staff to ensure that Alex could travel directly from hospital to the airport once he was discharged from their care. The medical staff also ensured that Alex had sufficient medication to support his initial return to Ghana, and also made contact with his brother in Ghana to provide an appropriate handover. VRS booked a flight to Alex’s preferred destination and he departed the UK with £3000 financial assistance.
Contact the Voluntary Return Service (VRS)
If you are interested in applying for a voluntary return and require financial support upon your return, see if you are eligible and fill in our online form.
For further information:
- call: 0300 004 0202