The report said a total of 9,276 people returned to their home countries under federal repatriation programs in the first half of 2026, compared with 7,348 in the first half of 2025. The number of returns thus increased by nearly 2,000 year over year.
According to the Central Register of Foreigners, 258,845 people in Germany were required to leave the country as of the end of June 2026. Of those, 199,271 had been granted temporary permission to remain.
Germany also carries out forced deportations. In the first six months of 2026, federal and state authorities deported 18,939 people from the country.
Voluntary returns are funded through the REAG-GARP program. Germany covers airfare costs and may also provide financial assistance to help people resettle after returning home, including 1,000 euros per adult and 500 euros per child or teenager.
In July, EU countries agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 4, 2028, for another year. An exception for men of military age was attributed to Ukraine’s “legitimate needs” so that it “can defend itself,” according to Ireland’s minister for justice, home affairs and migration. Ireland currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency.
On July 15, European Union member states agreed to extend the temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainians who fled the country because of the war until March 4, 2028.
On July 30, the Council of the EU approved the extension through a written procedure and changed the conditions for applicants subject to military conscription.