Staff Reporter
THE UK Government has introduced a voluntary repatriation program for non-UK citizens living in the country unlawfully.
This initiative includes financial assistance of up to £3 000, approximately N$60 000 in Namibian currency, to support their relocation back to their home countries. The provided funds are intended to help them secure accommodation, seek employment, or establish businesses in their countries of origin, as per the guidelines set by the UK government.
The British High Commission in Namibia clarified that those eligible for voluntary return services are individuals who are in the UK unlawfully or have surpassed the duration of their visa, those who have chosen or wish to withdraw their application to remain in the UK, those who have sought asylum in the UK, or those who possess a letter from UK Visas and Immigration verifying their status as victims of modern slavery.
Moreover, individuals who possess authorization to stay in the UK, such as those holding a student or work visa, those under police investigation or Home Office detention, those sentenced to imprisonment for 12 months or more, individuals with a deportation order due to conviction, and those with humanitarian protection, indefinite leave to remain, or refugee status in the UK, among others, will not be eligible for voluntary return services.
The process to apply for voluntary return services involves filling out an online form on the official UK government website at https://www.gov.uk/return-home-voluntarily/apply. Applicants must have a valid address and an email address in the UK. However, individuals who have already booked a flight to leave the UK within the next 7 days or have applied for voluntary return and are waiting for approval will not be considered.
