When a person has been subjected to human trafficking, they are offered a prepared return. A prepared return includes support for a safe and sustainable journey home and assistance with reintegration in the home country or the country where the person has a residence permit.
A prepared return is carried out in cooperation between the Danish Return Agency, the Danish Centre against Human Trafficking, the DRC Danish Refugee Council, a local support organisation in the home country and the person themselves. The local support organisation is referred to as the reintegration partner. The aim of the prepared return is to ensure that the person is received safely in their home country and supported in re‑establishing their life. Preparation begins in Denmark based on the person’s wishes and needs as well as on the opportunities available in the home country.
If no reintegration partner exists in the country of return, the Danish Return Agency may request the DRC Danish Refugee Council to explore the possibility of establishing a new partnership with a local organisation. In such cases, the DRC Danish Refugee Council is responsible for identifying, contracting and training the new reintegration partner. If it is not possible to establish a partnership in a country without an existing agreement, support may be paid in instalments through the Danish Return Agency.
The person is offered a 30‑day reflection and recovery period. This period may be extended by an additional 90 days upon application if the person cooperates with the prepared return process or if special circumstances justify an extension. The offer does not depend on whether the person cooperates with the police or testifies against traffickers.
The offer of a prepared return does not apply to individuals who must be transferred to another EU country under the Dublin Regulation. Before the transfer, the Danish Centre against Human Trafficking may assist the person in contacting a support organisation or the relevant authorities responsible for trafficking victims in the receiving country. A trafficking victim who is to be transferred to another EU country is also granted a 30‑day reflection period, during which the transfer cannot be carried out.
Support in the home country
Individuals who accept a prepared return are offered financial reintegration support, social support and other forms of assistance. The aim is to help the person become self-reliant in their home country.
Before their return, the relevant circumstances in the home country and around the return process are assessed. This may include the person’s social network, health issues, debts and fear of traffickers. Specific concerns are discussed with the local reintegration partner before departure.
Local reintegration partners receive individuals upon return. They may meet the person at the airport and are responsible for providing support after arrival. The reintegration partner follows and assists the person until the reintegration process is completed. A reintegration programme may last up to one year after their return.
Different types of support may be provided in the home country:
- Financial support for daily expenses and necessities for up to six months.
- A personalised reintegration plan reflecting the person’s future goals. The plan may include support for starting a business, education, housing improvements or healthcare. The plan and budget are developed together with the reintegration partner and must be approved by the Danish Return Agency before activities can begin.
- Financial support for children for whom the person has parental responsibility, focusing on the child’s needs, such as school fees, uniforms or a computer.
All expenses beyond the basic financial support must be documented.
If the person has a residence permit in a country other than their home country, that country may be the destination for the prepared return. The same rules and procedures apply.
Special considerations regarding children
Children who are victims of human trafficking are also offered a prepared return. The Danish Return Agency cooperates with the relevant support organisations and authorities in the home country to coordinate the return and ensure proper reception of the child. Coordination and planning aim to protect the child’s well‑being, safety and reintegration. In Denmark, unaccompanied minors are assigned a personal representative who participates in meetings with authorities both in Denmark and in the home country.
If the child has no contact with parents or other family members, the Danish Return Agency may initiate a family tracing process, which requires the child’s consent. The child may also choose to use the Red Cross tracing service.
If a child who is a victim of trafficking has legal residence in Denmark, the responsible municipality must conduct family tracing. If the child accepts a prepared return without having established stable contact with parents, relatives or carers in the home country, the authorities in the receiving country will take responsibility for the child.
Under the Danish Child Act, children and young people in need of special support have the right to influence the decisions affecting them. Their views must be considered continuously before decisions are made. This also applies when the child accepts a prepared return and reintegration.