The Italian Christian federation FOCSIV has created an online questionnaire for migrants in Italy with skills in agriculture and renewable energy sectors. The aim is to build a database for companies interested in employing migrants and refugees.
The questionnaire is part of the Italian Christian federation FOCSIV's project, launched in January under the title, "Professionals without borders: skills within the diaspora for local economic development in the Sahel." The project aims to use the skills of migrants present in Italy to advance economic development back home and involves agricultural and renewable energy projects in Ivory Coast, Ethiopia and Senegal. It is cofinanced by the Italian interior ministry.
"The idea grew out of the awareness that the diaspora can be a resource," said the federation's project manager Giusy Fiorillo. The questionnaire is easy to use, straightforward and easy to circulate, making it possible to identify professionals who might be of use to companies, he added.
The federation has already started to contact companies and associations to publicize migrants' skills and establish whether they might be needed for a job overseas or get a job in their home countries if they return. The project will last until October 2018.
Over 200 questionnaires have already been sent to the federation and submissions will be taken until September. "There are many migrants with specific skills that make them stand out in their field. By returning to their country of origin, they would put these to use with the advantage of being familiar with the local context," Fiorillo said.
The CVs will be verified and then job interviews conducted as necessary. "By engaging the diasporas in projects in countries of origin, the aim is to promote economic development, not with a top-down approach but by responding to the needs on the ground."