The number of rejected asylum seekers voluntarily leaving Germany has risen significantly, with over 9,200 individuals returning to their home countries in the first half of this year under federal return programs.

Germany has seen a notable rise in the number of rejected asylum seekers opting for voluntary return to their home countries. In the first six months of this year, 9,276 individuals participated in federally supported return programs, marking an increase compared to the 7,348 who did so during the same period in 2025. These programs, which include financial and logistical support, aim to facilitate the return of migrants who are required to leave the country.

As of late June 2026, official records indicate that 258,845 individuals in Germany are obligated to leave, with 199,271 of them currently holding temporary suspension from deportation. Between January and June of this year, authorities carried out 18,939 deportations, which included both forced removals and incentivized voluntary departures. The federal government continues to emphasize voluntary return as a preferred approach, offering financial aid and logistical assistance to encourage compliance.

One key initiative, the REAG-GARP program, provides support such as covering travel expenses and offering financial assistance of up to 1,000 euros per adult and 500 euros per child. Since January 2025, the program has also resumed offering voluntary return options to Syria, a destination previously excluded due to the ongoing conflict. The government’s efforts to promote voluntary departures reflect a broader strategy to manage migration and reduce the number of individuals required to leave the country.