Migration management and support to return of asylum seekers

Duration: January 2018 - Jun 2020
Donor: German Government BMZ/GIZ
Budget: 2.943.105,90 EUR
Region: Republic of Serbia - Nis, Leskovac, Pirot, Vranje, Bujanovac, Subotica, Kragujevac, Krusevac, Pozarevac, Beograd
Target group: Returnees, asylum seekers, socially vulnerable population

Objectives:

The overall objective of the project is migration management and support to return of asylum seekers.

The specific objectives of the project are establishment of the information centers to support the reintegration of returnees, improvement of living conditions of extremely vulnerable families, creation of employment opportunities and establishment of partnerships for Roma and other vulnerable population groups by encouraging entrepreneurship and development of cooperatives, improvement of qualifications, competences and competitiveness of the target population groups.

Description:

In partnership with the League of Roma and the Yurom Centre, the established information centers (hubs) improved the communication flow between the returnees/asylum seekers with the relevant institutional points including programme available assistance, like provision of the support measures for the inclusion of returnees/asylum seekers into the formal education system through language courses, provision of learning materials etc. Through the project a minimum sanitary and housing conditions through construction, reconstruction/adaptation and provision of basic furniture and/or household appliances were established for extremely vulnerable population.

The support included in-kind grants for income generating activities, business and vocational trainings, networking and synergies within the local stakeholders and projects.

Results

Throughout the project, nearly 4000 people registered for assistance in 13 info-centres and four Help offices. The burning spots in their requests present a regular source of income, housing, an overall improvement of living conditions.

13 info-centres providing information and couselling to returnees and vulnerable
408 children in primary education system equipped with school textbooks
1430 children of primary and secondary education equipped with school supplies for the entire school year
167 homes reconstructed (at least 800 household's members)
160 homes equipped with furniture and household appliances
280 micro-businesses supported with equipment for income generation (household members affected 1354)
4 cooperatives with 158 members supported with equipment and training to generate income
335 individuals attended tailor-made business and vocational training sessions (manicure, tailoring and sewing, hairdressers, plasterers, ceramists, painter and facade installation, welders, graphic workers, bookbinder, forklift operators...)
136 attendees to specialised Autism Caregiver Skills Training

Help responded instantly to the pandemics of COVID19 and within the project provided immediate assistance with 500 food and hygiene parcels that were distributed to the most vulnerable Roma living in informal settlements in Serbia (approx. 2000 people).