Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Many factors can make returning difficult or cause concern. During the BBU return counselling, you can speak confidentially about your personal situation. This allows us to respond to your needs before, during, and after your return.

Yes. Usually, return is planned for the whole family. If you have questions about your individual situation, BBU return counselling is available to assist you.

BBU tries to organize your departure within a few days. In some cases, it may take longer – for example, due to missing flight connections, the absence of travel documents, or the need for further clarifications based on your personal situation. It is essential to discuss these issues together with BBU return counselling.

Yes. If your asylum application has been rejected and you have received a return decision, you are required to leave Austria within a specified period. You can find the departure deadline in your asylum decision. In this case, you must immediately participate in a return counselling session with the BBU. During this session, you will be informed about available options to assist you in your return. Please contact BBU return counselling.

If you have received a deadline for voluntary return from the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA), you are obliged to comply with it. Irregular residence in Austria has serious consequences: the BFA is legally obliged to forcibly return you if you do not return voluntarily. The BFA may also issue an entry ban for Austria or the entire Schengen area against you. This would prevent you from re-entering Austria or the EU for a specified period. 

If you are unable to organize your departure within the given timeframe, please contact BBU return counselling as soon as possible. A forced return can be avoided if you cooperate with BBU. 

In certain cases, prescribed by law, participation in return counselling is mandatory. If this applies to you, you will receive an official notification of your obligation to attend return counselling from the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) or the Federal Administrative Court (BVwG). You will be instructed to contact BBU return counselling, which is free of charge. You may also receive a letter from BBU informing you of your obligation to participate in return counselling.

Do not ignore this obligation to attend return counselling! – Failure to comply may have negative consequences for you.

No. Attending return counselling does not lead to a forced return. During return counselling with BBU, you can speak confidentially about your personal situation and receive tailored advise. If you decide to return voluntarily, BBU will provide assistance through all necessary steps. A voluntary return does not result in a forced return. 

Please note: If you are required to leave Austria and the deadline for your voluntary return has passed, the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) will prepare a forced return.

BBU return counselling is not involved in forced returns. 

Yes. You can choose to return voluntarily at any time. You may either organize your departure independently or request assistance with your return. In any case, you should contact BBU return counselling as early as possible. A voluntary departure does not result in a forced return. 

Yes. You may choose to return voluntarily at any stage of the asylum procedure and receive both organizational and financial assistance. If you depart while your asylum procedure is still pending, the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) will discontinue the procedure upon your departure.

Yes. You may choose to return voluntarily with a valid residence status and receive both organizational and financial assistance. BBU return counselling will assist you in identifying your options. 

If you return voluntarily to your country of origin, your status in Austria will be formally revoked by the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA). 

In general, legitimate re-entry is possible. You may apply for it at the Austrian embassy responsible for your country of residence.

Please note: If the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) has issued an entry ban against you, re-entry will not be permitted for the duration of the ban. If you are staying in Austria without legal authorization, you are strongly advised to return voluntarily to avoid the issuance of an entry ban against you.