1. What are IOM’s activities in the area of
Migration and Development?
Maximizing the positive relationship between migration and
development has been a long strategic focus of IOM’s work.
International migration, if properly managed, can contribute to the
growth and prosperity of countries of origin and countries of
destination as well as benefit the migrants themselves. IOM in the
Netherlands assists among others qualified migrants residing within
the European Union who wish to make a contribution to the
development of their country of origin. IOM currently implements
two projects in that field: the Temporary Return of
Qualified Nationals (TRQN) project and the MIDA Ghana Health
project. Both projects aim to strengthen the capacity of
organizations and companies in countries of origin through transfer
of skills and experience delivered the diaspora.
2. Where are IOM’s projects being implemented?
IOM’s M&D projects are currently implemented in Afghanistan,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Sierra Leone and
Sudan.
3. How can I participate?
You can participate by filling in an application
form which can be downloaded from the IOM website or be sent to you
by post or e-mail. IOM supports professionals who wish to return
temporarily and do an assignment at a host institution or who wish
to do a virtual (on line) assignment. The projects are demand
driven. Based on an identified need for expertise in one of the
target countries, registered candidates will be selected who meet
the required criteria. The host institution makes the final
selection.
4. What are the basic requirements to
participate?
You can participate in one of IOM‘s M&D projects if you:
- originate from one of the countries mentioned under 2;
- live and work in the Netherlands or other EU member states;
- possess Dutch or EU citizenship or permanent residence permit;
- are in good health and motivated to contribute to development of your country of origin.
5. What professional background do I need to participate in IOM’s M&D projects?
It will depend on the expertise needed in the country of origin as the M&D projects are demand driven. In general you will need at least a vocational educational background and professional working experience of at least three years.
6. How long will it take before I will be sent to my home country?
This depends among others on the expertise needed and if the background of the candidates matches these needs. In general preparing and organizing an assignment takes about two months. IImportant to notice: Application at IOM does not automatically mean that someone will actually have the opportunity to take part in the project.
7. What support does IOM offer?
IOM provides logistical assistance and takes care of all practical issues related to the temporary return assignment, including the travel to and from the target country.Furthermore IOM offers a financial support package which coverts the expenses for travel, insurance, visa, living and housing costs and training materials. IOM does not pay a salary.
8. Can someone participate who has not the Dutch nationality?
Yes, applicants who have a permanent residence permit in one of EU members states can participate in IOM’s M&D projects.
9. How long can I go to my home country?
This depends on the assignment requested by the host institution in the country of origin and one’s own availability. On average the assignments are between three weeks and three months.
10. What is my legal position once I participate
with IOM?
If you participate in one of IOM’s M&D projects and you are
citizen of one of EU members states or you have a permanent
residence permit your participation in IOM projects does not any
have consequences for your legal position in these countries. Once
you sign an agreement with IOM for a temporary return assignment
you are considered as a volunteer not as an employee of IOM or the
host institution in the country of origin.
