Individual Assistance and Counselling for the Voluntary Returns

The Ministry of the Interior can help foreigners voluntarily leave the Czech Republic. The law about this is in section 123a of the foreign residents' law. 

You can make an appointment at the provided phone number or by emailing navraty@mvcr.cz.

Important note:

Right now, while temporary protection is in place, returns of Ukrainian citizens are handled in special cases only. Each case is looked at individually before a decision is made.

Basic Conditions for leaving the country under the voluntary returns program: 

Who can use the Voluntary Return Program?

Foreigners can be ordered for deportation due to non-renewal of work or academic residency, due to the end of family relationships (if the foreigner stayed in the country on family grounds), or due to imprisonment.

The program assists foreigners in the Czech Republic who are there based on an exit order and are unable to facilitate their own departure. To be able to participate, the person must be ordered for deportation or detained in facilities for detaining foreigners. EU citizens and their family members with an exit order can also apply.

The foreigner must be in the Czech Republic and have a valid travel document (e.g., a passport). If there's no valid passport, the Ministry of the Interior can assist in arranging a substitute passport (laissez-passer) at the appropriate diplomatic mission, even if located outside the Czech Republic.

What help does the government give?

The Ministry organizes the foreigner's departure from the Czech Republic to their registered address abroad. Departure is carried out by air travel. Ministry staff will assist the foreigner with registration and passport control. If necessary, they will also help obtain a transit visa (permission to pass through other countries on the way home).

Advantages of the Voluntary Return Program:

• Speed – if the person has a valid travel document, they can leave immediately after document processing is completed. The Ministry aims to ensure the person's prompt arrival in their home country.
• Financial assistance – the Ministry purchases the airplane ticket and any necessary subsequent transportation to the usual place of residence in the country of origin. Luggage included in the ticket price can also be taken. This means a foreigner can leave even if they don't have sufficient funds for it.
• Dignified return – people return as regular passengers, without police escort.
• Possibility to shorten the entry ban period – if the person pays half the travel costs after returning home and has no debts in the Czech Republic, they can request a reduction in the entry ban period. The application is submitted by the foreigner after departure.
• Post-return assistance – in justified cases, reintegration assistance in the country of origin can be provided through representatives of the Ministry or the International Organization for Migration.

After applying, the person must inform the Ministry of any changes (e.g., health, family, or employment) that might affect their departure.

Source: https://www.mvcr.cz/migration/article/voluntary-returns-organised-by-the-department-of-asylum-and-migration-policy.aspx

Languages:

• English
• Ukrainian
• Russian
• Czech
• Translation into other languages can be arranged if necessary

Opening hours:

• Monday: 9:00 – 15:00
• Tuesday: 9:00 – 15:00
• Wednesday: 9:00 – 15:00
• Thursday: 9:00 – 15:00
• Friday: 9:00 – 15:00
• Saturday: closed
• Sunday: closed

Accessibility and Additional Information:

• Permission is required to enter the premises.
• The service is available to everyone.
• Prior appointment is required.
• Closed on public holidays.
• Free of charge.
• The building is wheelchair-friendly.
• There is no elevator, but the voluntary returns department is accessible without barriers.
• This location has female staff.
• The restroom is divided, but not wheelchair accessible (narrow door).

Contact:

• Phone: +420 704 844 574, +420 974 320 957
• E-mail: navraty@mvcr.cz
• Web: https://www.mvcr.cz/migrace/clanek/navraty.aspx