ANY HELP PLEASE about the Voluntary Departure Procedure

[jev]

Leaving the UK under the Voluntary Departure procedure, arranged through the UK Immigration Service is one method of leaving the country.

I have an appointment with them on April 4th, and would like to know if anyone knows what will happen. I am able to get my own ticket but just need my passport as they've never returned it. I am looking at late april ot return as it was the cheapest ticket I've found, but I dont know if thats okay.


ANY HELP PLEASE????

[Dawie]

If you don't need financial assistance to leave the country then why are you getting involved with the Home Office's Voluntary Departure programme?

You have to accept that if you are illegaly in the UK and you attend an interview at the Home Office (on whatever grounds) there is a risk that you will be detained and deported, probably without an opportunity to collect your personal possessions or to tie up any loose ends.

If you cannot get your passport back from the Home Office then you could just get a new passport from your country's embassy and leave as soon as you are able to without involving the Home Office. At least that way you can leave on your own terms.

This is, of course, my opinion. But I would personally feel very nervous attending an interview at the Home Office if I was illegal.

[jev]

It states on its website:
"Leave the UK under the Voluntary Departure procedure, arranged through the UK Immigration Service. You may receive help with documentation and international flights but this is decided on a case-by-case basis. You will not be escorted on flights and you will not receive any help when you arrive back home"

If you don't need financial assistance to leave the country then why are you getting involved with the Home Office's Voluntary Departure programme?

1. The cheapest ticket I've found in on the 27th April (as the cricket world cup it on in the Caribbean) and my appointment is on the 4th

2. To go to the embassy you need to state what happened to your passport i.e. Lost or Stolen, and if either was the case you need to make a police report... hence what do you say then?

I am concerned about being detain and or deported but it does state if you choose voluntary you would not be escorted onto flights... so I just need some insight


THANKS