Luxembourg Presents New Voluntary Return Concept for Migrants

The General Department of Immigration of Luxembourg's Ministry of Home Affairs has presented its new concept for the voluntary return of migrants.

The department emphasised that the government is committed to an immigration policy that is both "humane" and "responsible", recalling that the government had pledged in its coalition programme to develop a new concept for voluntary return - addressing this issue with applicants for international protection from the moment they submit their application and increasing voluntary return support for those subject to a return decision.

At a press conference on Friday 24 October 2025, Luxembourg's Minister for Home Affairs, Léon Gloden, presented the new voluntary return concept and provided an update on the "Maison Retour" (Returns House), which has been operational for a year.

In view of the future transposition of the European Union's Pact on Migration and Asylum and with the aim of ensuring optimal management of available capacity, the government stated that it intends to better supervise and support the return to their country of origin of persons whose applications for international protection have been rejected or of those who do not have a residence permit.

The ministry said that until now, a largely negative perception of the idea of ​​returning to one's country of origin has prevailed, and applicants for international protection were confronted with the issue of return "much too late", only at the end of the asylum procedure. Under the new concept, voluntary return is introduced to applicants at every stage of the procedure, from the very beginning, using a "funnel approach" based on the status of the procedure.

As soon as it becomes increasingly clear that the migrant will not be able to obtain legal residence, a dedicated return advisor, whose offices are located at 12-14 Avenue Emile Reuter in Luxembourg City, assists the person by providing the information necessary to comply with their administrative situation. The advisor presents the various options available while emphasising the advantages of voluntary return. Migrants must be made aware of the legal and administrative consequences of their decisions, as well as the possible alternatives and benefits of voluntary return.

A team of six specially trained return advisors is available to guide migrants seeking information about return options. The ministry added that separating administrative procedures (for applying for international protection or a residence permit) from the return procedure and separating the points of contact for carrying out the respective procedures is a key element of the new approach.

"When there is no option to remain legally in the country, it is essential to be honest and respectful with the people concerned, to support their return by offering them the opportunity to restart their lives in their own country or a third country," stated Minister Gloden.

Applicants for international protection whose asylum request has been definitively rejected, who come from a country subject to visa requirements and who respect the 30-day voluntary return period, may receive reintegration assistance ranging from €3,900 to over €6,000 depending on their situation (single, couple or family). An additional amount may be granted to vulnerable individuals.

To accommodate people who are staying illegally in Luxembourg or who are subject to a transfer decision to another EU Member State based on the Dublin III Regulation, a first temporary "Maison Retour" has been set up in Hall 6 of the Luxexpo The Box in Luxembourg-Kirchberg.

This open facility - where individuals can leave freely - provides targeted psychosocial support from specially trained staff prior to return. According to the ministry, it aims to prepare the transferred individuals for their return to their country of origin and help them better accept this.