The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has solidified its ongoing collaboration with Greece through a new Host Country Agreement signed with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This agreement ensures that IOM can continue to provide critical services, including life-saving protection and health care, mental health support, and pathways for regular migration, integration, relocation, and voluntary returns, according to IOM.

"This agreement is a landmark in IOM's 72-year partnership with Greece, a country that has been at the forefront of migration management efforts in Europe, especially over the last decade," said IOM Director General Amy Pope, IOM reports.

"We look forward to strengthening our collaboration to help migrants in Greece tackle the daunting task of rebuilding their lives in a new country, or assist them to safely return home."

Accompanied by the minister of Migration and Asylum, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, and the deputy minister for Integration, Sofia Voultepsi, Pope visited a reception facility for asylum seekers in Schisto, 15 kilometers from the capital. This was opened following the 2015-2016 refugee crisis, housing initially mainly Afghan families with children. She spoke with some of the 700 migrants about their hopes and aspirations for the future.

"It was incredibly humbling to speak with some of the mothers, fathers and children who bravely left their homes in search of safety and a better life here in Greece," Pope said.

"Engaging closely with those we serve is crucial to understanding their needs and priorities and, ultimately, to enhancing the effectiveness of our support."

Also read: Child migrant arrivals in Greece quadruple this year

IOM works closely with Greek government

At this facility, IOM works closely with the government of Greece to help migrants integrate into Greek everyday life. The goal is to give people skills and knowledge to help them find work and integrate into Greek society.

IOM assists with vocational training, especially for key industries that need workers the most, along with Greek language lessons and education on other aspects of Greek social and cultural life.

During her visit, Pope welcomed the Greek initiative to establish a protective network for unaccompanied children, which included the operation of shelters for minors with 24/7 assistance as part of the National Emergency Response Mechanism.

Moreover, the IOM runs the nationwide integration program for refugees in Greece called the Hellenic Integration Support for Beneficiaries of International Protection (HELIOS), which was launched in 2019. Initially funded by the European Commission, the program has been funded by the Greek migration ministry since 2021.

Since its start HELIOS program has reportedly provided over 23,000 people to date with Greek language classes, accommodation, and support to access the labor market, including through job counseling and career events organized with private sector representatives.

Also read: Growing up in a Greek refugee camp

Voluntary return

Since 2010, the ΙΟΜ office in Greece has been implementing assisted voluntary return and reintegration for migrants who choose to return home.

More than 60,000 people have been supported to return to their countries of origin, according to the UN agency. Upon arrival, returning migrants are offered support to help their reintegration within their communities.

In recent years, IOM has worked closely with Greek authorities to provide technical expertise in site management to establish the current reception system of asylum seekers nationwide.

During her visit, Pope also met with the President of the Greek National Human Rights Institution, and thanked IOM staff for their dedication and hard work in supporting migrants and host communities every day.

Also read: Greece: Future of refugee support program 'Helios' in doubt as EU pledges extra funds