Asylum Matters and Right to Remain have produced a briefing looking at the Home Office’s Voluntary Returns Programme for consideration by organisations and faith groups who are asked to host advice surgeries on behalf of the Home Office.

The Home Office has in some instances approached groups that run community spaces and places of worship, asking them to host Home Office Returns Surgeries.

While both Asylum Matters and Right to Remain recognise the importance of ensuring that information about the Voluntary Returns process is accessible to all, there are some concerns about how this programme is being delivered and whether hosting surgeries in community spaces can deter vulnerable people from accessing vital services on offer in those spaces. Please feel free to disseminate this briefing among your local contacts and do get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.