Launched in Yerevan in 2018, the first ERRIN pilot project under the Gov2Gov cooperation activity is underway in Armenia. Upon a successful completion of the pilot phase, the project got extended by two years in June 2020.
The project Referral Centre for Returnees in Armenia comprises two key elements: firstly, to strengthen the capacity of Armenian state authorities in terms of provision of post-arrival assistance and reintegration; secondly, to support the state authorities in delivering high quality reintegration assistance for Armenian nationals who return from ERRIN member states.
In particular, we focus on assisting the Armenian government in arranging professional training opportunities and business advice for returning migrants, providing medical services and – where required – temporary accommodation. Approximately 400 returnees are expected to benefit from the project.
A Counselling and Referral Centre for Reintegration was established in cooperation with the Armenian Migration Service. Located within the Migration Service’s premises, the Centre hosts tree local counsellors providing support to returning migrants. As of the summer 2021, the returnees can also to benefit from the support provided by a psychologist working full-time with the Centre, who also assists the staff in their daily challenges of their work.
Moreover, an information point was set up at the Zvartnots International Airport of Armenia, operational as of 1 December 2021. Apart from hosting the ERRIN Armenia project counsellors during the charter flights from EU countries, the point features information materials on a wide array of return and reintegration programmes in Armenia.
The Armenian Representation of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is the project’s implementing partner.
Take a look at the project info sheet to learn more.
