The International Organization for Migration – Mission in Bulgaria carried out two seminars in Burgas and Varna in March 2023, focused on return counselling, reintegration support in countries of origin of migrants, and on integration border governance (IBG).

The participants in the events included representatives from Border Police, Migration Directorate and regional departments of National Police.

Baptiste Amieux, regional thematic specialist from the Regional office (RO) of IOM in Brussels presented the portfolio of IBG and how IOM can support national border and migration authorities in spheres related to legal identity, visa services, cultural mediation at borders and organization of a simulation exercise to enhance coordination amid crisis response.

Welella Negussie from IOM Germany presented the virtual counselling tool, connecting migrants planning to return to their countries of origin with IOM representatives there, providing accurate and timely information on current political and economic situation.

IOM Nigeria’s colleague Jude Okoye spoke about migration context in Nigeria and West Africa, drivers for migration and reintegration efforts targeted at both migrants and local communities.

These events were carried out in the framework of the project “Capacity building for voluntary return” project, funded by the National programme of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-funded by the European Commission.