Assisted Returns Program

The Assisted Returns Program provides non-citizens with an option to voluntarily depart Australia. We listen to your needs, respect your choices, and offer you options to return home.

If you are deemed eligible, expenses related to your approved travel arrangements will be covered under the Assisted Returns Program. Your assigned Case Worker will also help you obtain travel documents and organise your travel bookings.

This service is offered on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.

You will be assigned a Caseworker who can assist you to return home by:

• Providing you with up-to-date travel information;
• Ensuring you have valid travel documents;
• Providing you with a ‘Readiness to Return Home’ booklet that includes checklists and information to
  help you prepare for your travel home;
• Assisting you to complete required travel forms;
• Ensuring you can nominate your preferred departure dates;
• Ensuring any special travel requirements are considered, approved, organised and booked;
• Organising your travel:
  • Booking all flights
  • Arranging accommodation
  • Arranging transport.

Once you provide written consent, Assisted Returns Program staff will complete an eligibility form. This will then be sent to the Department of Home Affairs to determine your eligibility. The time taken to assess your eligibility by the Department of Home Affairs can vary, depending on the nature/complexity of the case. On average, we hope to receive a reply in 2-4 business days.

Once you are deemed eligible, you will be assigned a Case Worker who will confirm you would still like to return home.

Your Case Worker will make sure your needs are always prioritised, that you have updated information, and are involved in the decisions about your voluntary return home.

They can help organise travel documents and consult with you about your specific travel requests, including the dates you want to travel.

The Assisted Returns Program is voluntary and you are always free to withdraw from the program at any stage.

If you are deemed eligible, your approved travel expenses will be covered under this program.

To leave Australia on a one-way ticket, your return country will request certain travel documents. These travel documents can include a valid passport or other form of travel Identification document, which is issued by your return country’s Embassy or Consulate. If you don’t have the right travel documents, you will need to complete travel forms and include passport size photos.

Your travel can’t be booked until you have valid Travel documents. Receiving valid travel documents can vary in time. We recommend you commence with checklist 1 in the Readiness to Return booklet. Call us on 1300 094 663 or complete an online enquiry here to obtain the Readiness to Return booklet.

If you need assistance to complete travel forms, your assigned Case Worker will help you. They will also inform you of any in-transit visas you may need.

In some circumstances, your family can travel with you; however, this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Home Affairs.

Call us on 1300 094 663 or complete an online enquiry here.

We use information from the Travel Risk Map (published and updated by International SOS and Control Risks) to provide you with your return country’s medical and travel security risk rating. Call us on 1300 094 663 for information on your return country’s risk rating before you decide to return.

More information can also be found on the Smart Traveller website www.smartraveller.gov.au.

Your personal information is kept confidential. You have the option to remain anonymous while you enquire
about the program. Your personal information will only be sent to the Department of Home Affairs once you
decide you want to return home under the Assisted Returns Program.