Between 2014 and the first half of 2026, 6,759 individuals voluntarily returned to their country of origin through Antwerp's return program. In 2025, this figure was 464 people, and in the first six months of 2026, an additional 212. This policy clearly states that individuals without legal residency cannot build a sustainable future in Antwerp and must therefore return.
The City of Antwerp collaborates closely with Fedasil and specialized organizations such as Barka and the Centre for General Welfare Work (CAW) for this initiative. These partners inform individuals about voluntary return options, remove practical obstacles to their departure, and prepare for their return and reintegration in their home country.
For individuals who have been living in Antwerp without legal residency for an extended period, returning is not always straightforward. Specialized organizations assess their personal situations and address concrete challenges. The focus is on building a life in their home country, including, where possible, reuniting with family. Barka Antwerp primarily assists homeless individuals from Eastern Europe without legal residency, while CAW ACM Outreach mainly supports individuals of Moroccan descent residing in Antwerp without legal status. Additionally, the city works with Fedasil to guide individuals through the return desk.
“"Those who do not have the right to stay here must return. I am very clear about that. A life in illegality offers no one a real future in our city. That is why we are strongly committed to voluntary return: not just ordering people to leave the territory, but also helping them to actually take that step. Since 2014, nearly 7,000 people have been able to start over in their home country. This gives them perspective again and simultaneously reduces nuisance in our city. Ultimately, everyone benefits from this."
Through this targeted collaboration, Antwerp links social assistance with a clear objective: to effectively facilitate the return of individuals without legal residency and support them in rebuilding an independent life in their home country. Voluntary return is an indispensable pillar of a realistic return policy.
