International Solidarity Volunteering

What is the
International Solidarity Volunteering

The International Solidarity Volunteering (VSI) is a device framed by the law of February 23, 2005. Its object is “the accomplishment of a mission of general interest abroad in the fields of development cooperation and humanitarian action”. The VSI mutually engages a sending organization and a volunteer.

The missions take place outside the European Economic Area (EEA). A contract is signed for at least 1 year, renewable over a total period of 6 years. The VSI is compensated. At the end of the mission, you can claim certain aids. The VSI allows you to get involved with approved associations whose object is international solidarity actions (education, urban and rural development, health, emergency actions, etc.)

The terms of a VSI

To perform a VSI, you must:

  • to be of age
  • and not be bound by an employment contract

There is no nationality requirement or age limit.

If you are an employee under private law, hiring one or more VSI assignments for a minimum continuous period of one year is a legitimate reason for resignation.

You must accomplish your mission in a country different from your home state and the one where you usually reside.

An employee on sabbatical leave or on international solidarity leave may carry out a VSI assignment during the period of his leave.

Having volunteered for Civic Service does not prevent you from applying for a VSI.

To find a job, you can consult the missions published on the Planète Urgence website. .

The minimum amount of your monthly allowance cannot be less than 100 €, excluding the cost of transport, accommodation and food. The maximum amount of the allowance for the country of the mission (cost of living, nature of the mission performed, security conditions, remoteness, etc.). For example, it is € 4,210.84 in Angola, € 1,343 in Benin, € 2,602 in Lebanon.

This compensation is not in the nature of a salary or remuneration. In France, it is not subject to income tax, nor to social contributions and contributions.

cristian-newman Volontariat de solidarité