The Return to Homeland Plan was initially established by Venezuelan authorities as a mechanism to assist citizens abroad, particularly those facing legal or humanitarian challenges, to return and reintegrate. The programme has seen multiple flights in recent years, with thousands of Venezuelans voluntarily or involuntarily returned home as part of state-facilitated repatriation efforts. Venezuelan officials frame the plan as a dignified response to the hardships many nationals have endured overseas, while coordinating with foreign counterparts on deportation logistics.

Internationally, the resumption of these flights reflects broader trends in migration policy and bilateral negotiations. The U.S. has increased deportations of Venezuelan migrants amid shifts in immigration enforcement, while Venezuela’s acceptance of returnees operates within its own political and social strategy for addressing the Venezuelan diaspora. As these movements continue, the Return to Homeland Plan remains a focal point for debate over human rights , migration governance and the responsibilities of sending and receiving states.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem explained that the temporary “departure bonus” aims to facilitate voluntary returns during the holiday period. “If you wish to return voluntarily to your country of origin and are illegally present in the US, we will provide $3,000 and a plane ticket to help you get home,” Noem told Fox News . She emphasised that the programme is valid only until the end of the year.

The initiative follows an earlier scheme announced in May, which offered $1,000 and a return flight for migrants opting for voluntary departure. Noem stressed that those who wait to be intercepted, detained, or deported through enforcement channels may lose the opportunity to return legally in the future.

Migrants seeking to participate are advised to download and use the official CBP Home app to coordinate their departures. The DHS has indicated it will prioritise ensuring participants reach their home countries in time for Christmas, framing the programme as a combination of logistical support and financial incentive aimed at encouraging voluntary compliance with immigration rules.

“The Ghanaian authorities have no legal basis to continue to detain these persons, much less in military custody,” he said. “We are hoping the court pronounces on the legality of the government’s action.”

He estimated that 42 individuals have so far been brought into the country, though his team has only verified the identities of 14. “We’re not in a position to say whether or not among those individuals are also Ghanaian nationals,” he added.

Barker-Vormawor described conditions at Bundase Military Camp, where several deportees are reportedly held, as “terrible,” citing lack of healthcare and poor food. “Bundase is a military training camp, not designed or habilitated for keeping civilians,” he said, noting that the situation may breach international detention standards such as the UN Mandela Rules.

He also warned that Ghana may be violating the Convention Against Torture, which prohibits returning people to countries where they face risk of harm.

What they said

"Burkina Faso is not a land of deportation," Traore said, calling the request from the U.S. unworthy and indecent. Noting that Burkina Faso recently decided to lift visa fees for all Africans, he said the country's hospitality "should not be seen as an opportunity for a third country to get rid of certain populations that it considers undesirable."