JRS-Programme (Joint Reintegration Services)

The JRS program ("Joint Reintegration Services") provides individual reintegration assistance to returnees in their countries of origin.

JRS assistance is available in the following origin countries:

Egypt, Ethiopia, Albania*, Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Gambia, Georgia*, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iraq, Jordan, Cameroon, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Dem. Rep. Congo (Kinshasa), Morocco, Moldova*, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, North Macedonia*, Pakistan, Palestine, Serbia*, Somalia (with Somaliland), Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tunesia, Turkey und Vietnam.

(* Special provisions apply here. See under 5.)

1. Application process via RIAT

An application can only be submitted via the data management system RIAT. All processes are processed there. RIAT is a closed system with access only for authorized persons and meets the requirements of the European General Data Protection Regulation.

The JRS application should be registered in RIAT at least 19 calendar days before the actual departure. Both short-term assistance (PAP) and long-term assistance (PRP) can be applied for in the JRS application. Missing documents (e.g., confirmed departure date) can also be added to RIAT at a later date. In order to ensure that short-term support can be claimed, it is imperative that the exact flight details are submitted to the BAMF via RIAT at least five (5) working days before departure.

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To use RIAT, participation in the (two-part) training course is required in advance in order to go through the registration and authentication process. All information on the RIAT training courses offered can be found in the login area on https://ReturningfromGermany.de/en. Please register in advance in the login area.

For questions about RIAT, you can contact: RIATsupport@bamf.bund.de .

2. Subsequent application

Returned/repatriated persons may still receive support after their arrival in their country of origin. For this purpose, the reintegration partner must be contacted (contact details see flyer) immediately (at the latest within 3 months) after arrival, and proof of identity must be presented.

3. Eligible persons

JRS assistance can be obtained from:
a) third-country nationals who have not yet received a final negative decision on their asylum application/procedure or application for any other form of protection

b) Third-country nationals who do not (or no longer) fulfil the requirements for legal entry or legal residence in Germany and/or in another Member State (e.g. persons who are obliged to leave the country or persons with a tolerated stay permit).

Support is possible for both those returning voluntarily and those who have been repatriated.

4. Scope and amount of JRS assistance

JRS distinguishes between short-term and long-term support (Post Arrival Package/Post Return Package):

a) Short-term support (Post Arrival Package - up to three days after arrival):
• Airport pickup
• Onward transport to destination
• Necessary overnight stays before reaching the destination
• Additional medical needs
• Family reunification for unaccompanied minors

Short-term assistance may be paid in kind and/or in cash.

b) Long-term support (Post Return Package - within a maximum of 12 months after departure):
• Housing support
• Medical needs for serious illnesses
• School and vocational training measures
• Advice on job opportunities and help in finding a job
• Support in setting up a (own) business
• Family reunion
• Legal advice and administrative support
• Psychosocial support.

Long-term support is in principle only provided as a benefit in kind.

The amount of support is based on the following amounts:
• Voluntary return (main applicant): EUR 2,000.00
• Each additional family member: EUR 1,000.00
• One-off short-term support within 3 days of arrival: 615 EUR
• Repatriated persons: EUR 1,000.00

5. Special arrangements for the countries of origin Albania, Georgia, Moldova, Northern Macedonia and Serbia

The following special regulations (short- and long-term support) apply to the following countries of origin:

Albania:
- Long-term tolerated persons (people who have been tolerated in Germany for at least two years) can apply for both short-term and long-term support.

Georgia:
- Long-term tolerated persons (people who have been tolerated in Germany for at least two years) can apply for both short-term and long-term support.
or
Tolerated persons who received a Duldung in Germany before 01 July, 2022 can (exclusively) receive long-term support (limited special measure when leaving the country from January 1st to June 30th, 2024).

Moldova:
- Long-term tolerated persons (people who have been tolerated in Germany for at least two years) can apply for both short-term and long-term support.

North Macedonia:
- Long-term tolerated persons (people who have been tolerated in Germany for at least two years) can apply for both short-term and long-term support.
or
- Tolerated persons who received a Duldung in Germany before July 1st, 2022 can (exclusively) receive long-term support (limited special measure when leaving the country from January 1st to June 30th, 2024).

Serbia:
- Long-term tolerated persons (people who have been tolerated in Germany for at least two years) can apply for both short-term and long-term support.

6. Contact with the reintegration partner prior to return

All reintegration partners are available for contact prior to return. This supplementary offer (in the national language) serves in particular to help returnees prepare for their return and to clarify other questions about the JRS programme. The focus of this conversation should be on the organisational process after arrival, realistic reintegration prospects and other personal needs. The actual reintegration project - often already addressed in the JRS application - is determined individually after arrival between the reintegration partner and the returnee.

We ask the return counselling centres to point out the offer of early contact. The contact details of all reintegration partners can be found in the information sheets (download, right-hand side).

The reintegration partners of the JRS program are: Caritas International Bel-gium, European Technology and Training Centre (ETTC), IRARA, Life Makers Foundation and WELDO.

The JRS program ("Joint Reintegration Services"), funded by Frontex, started on April 1, 2022 and provides individual reintegration assistance to returnees in their countries of origin. The BAMF is responsible for coordinating this assistance at the national level.

The BAMF will be happy to provide further information on JRS assistance at: reintegration@bamf.bund.de .