Targeted Initiative Georgia
A mobility centre has been opened in Tiflis as part of the “Targeted Initiative Georgia” offering emergency aid and reintegration programmes for returnees.
With the Czech Republic bearing overall responsibility, the member states Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Sweden and Germany are involved in the project. The project aims not only to build capacities in the area of return and reintegration management and to conduct information campaigns on legal labour migration to the EU countries, but also to ensure the social and economic reintegration of Georgian nationals who return to their home country from the member states of the European Union or from third countries. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees is involved in the latter project component; it has deployed a long-term advisor.
A mobility centre was opened in Tbilisi, where a team of social workers and psychologists is available to deal with returnees’ problems. In addition to immediate assistance, an individual reintegration plan can be drawn up if necessary.
Support by immediate assistance and reintegration measures
Immediate assistance includes
- Advice on social issues: comprehensive advice on all issues that need to be resolved after the return, including the issuance of official documents and information on the social-security benefits and assistance programmes in Georgia.
- Medical support for health problems that impede or prevent reintegration: If, in the case of such problems, a medical certificate is produced attesting that it is possible for the patient to reintegrate in the Georgian labour market following succesful treatment, the costs will be met in part or in full on a case-by-case basis. Chronic illnesses that require on-going treatment are not included in the service.
- Provision of temporary accommodation: if necessary, temporary accommodation will be arranged. To a limited extent, financial support of up to EUR 20 per night may be granted for up to one week.
The reintegration measures include
Support in case of additional training needs: people are sent to institutions which provide professional training.
If necessary, financial support of up to EUR 400 may be granted for up to three months.
- Support in looking for a job: people are sent to one of the specialised job centres in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Poti, Akhaltsikhe, Gori and Telavi.
- Support in setting up a business, including support in developing a business plan. Promising business ideas may be supported with up to EUR 2,000.
