Rights and support for victims of trafficking outside EU
If you are a victim of trafficking and come from a country outside the European Union, you have specific rights and options designed to protect your safety, dignity, and wellbeing. These include protections related to your legal situation, support while you are in the country where you were identified, and the possibility of returning to your home country in a safe and voluntary way if you choose to do so. You have the right to a return that respects your rights and safety, and the support available through voluntary return and aftercare processes. These measures are intended to ensure that any decision about staying or returning is made with full information, proper support, and respect for your individual circumstances.
It is a period of time to recover and think about your options after being identified as a victim. During this time, you should receive support and protection, and you do not have to cooperate with authorities if you don’t want to.
If you come from a country outside the EU, you have the right to stay legally in the country for your protection and recovery through a residence permit.
IMPORTANT: In the European Union, different countries may have different types of permits you can ask for according to your situation, so it’s very important to check national regulations on this website and to contact the specialised organisation to give you the correct information based on your location. In general, you can apply for
You can apply for asylum if you were trafficked or are scared to be trafficked in the future, if you fear serious danger in your country, such as violence, persecution, and other threats to you or to the lives of your loved ones. Specialized organisations will support you during your application for asylum, giving you information and legal advice.
Remember that you should not be returned to a place where your safety is at risk, and you should be able to access services and safe accommodation while your case is being assessed.
You may be granted a residence permit if you cooperate with authorities in investigating or prosecuting trafficking.
In some EU countries you may be granted a residence permit due to your personal situation as a victim of trafficking, without making this type of permit conditional on reporting or cooperating with the authorities.
The EU law sets a minimum standard for the duration of the initial permit, which can be granted for up to 6 months. In most countries, it can be renewed.
These rights are meant to protect your safety, dignity, and wellbeing, and to make sure you can recover and make decisions about your future without fear.
This concept refers to the right and process through which a victim of trafficking who is a non-EU citizen (or sometimes an EU citizen living abroad) can choose to return to their home country or another place considered safe, and, in some cases, receive support after returning.
Voluntary return means you choose to go back of your own free will, after being fully informed and supported in the planning.
You have the right to:
- Make the decision voluntarily — return is not forced.
- Receive clear information about your rights, options, and risks so you can make an informed choice.
- Have the process planned to ensure your safety, dignity, and wellbeing, without putting you at risk of re-trafficking or harm.
- Get support from specialised organisations (NGOs, social services, etc.) before and during your return.
- Safe accommodation and basic support
- Medical and psychological care
- Education, training, or employment support
- Legal advice or help with claiming compensation
- Follow-up support to prevent re-trafficking
(Based on Article 13 of the Council of Europe Convention, Articles 11(6) and 40 of Directive 2011/36/EU, Articles 6 and 8 of Directive 2004/81, and Article 14 of the Council of Europe Convention)
(Based on Articles 11, 13, and 16 of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (CETS No. 197) and Directive 2004/81/EC on residence permits for victims of trafficking)
