ERRIN Exchange learning for the local partners

Since 2010, Caritas India had reintegrated many voluntary returnees (irregular migrants) from European countries to their home country, India and in their resettlement through different reintegration programme. Through European Return Reintegration Network programme , started in 2018, Caritas has assisted and reintegrated many returnees in a respected manner and to build up their life again after returning to their home country, India with the support of 18 local partners.

With the objectives of taking stock of the ERRIN reintegration programme process, challenges encounter in the field and to strengthen the reintegration services at local, Caritas and agency level, two days ERRIN II workshop has been organized at Caritas India Head Office, New Delhi from 8^th April to 9^th April 2019 with ERRIN project coordinators of local partners stationed at Programme intervention area. The workshop was attended by thirteen participants from eight local partners including new partners.

Fr. Sushil, Director-Administration, Caritas India welcomed participants on behalf of the management and shared the objectives of the workshop and spoke about implementation of ERRIN network across India. He also stressed that Caritas India is always extend her support towards the migration issues at any cost of time.  Mr. Rajesh, Head of Department has given insight on the ERRIN work and other aspect of it. He said that this program is an opportunity to help the migrant in resettlement in home country those who went abroad without proper or valid document and stayed irregularly. He stressed on strong documentation to be maintain at each partner level and to develop impactful case story of the returnee. Ms. Shimray also share about the accompaniment of returnee and how safe migration is important in today’s date.

During the two days’ workshop, Caritas ERRIN programme team highlighted the ERRIN programme framework, exchange of information on process of documentation, on ERRIN monitoring mechanism. Local partner ERRIN coordinators present their organizations and governments skill development programs and how to engage the clients in such programs so that they gain the benefits from them for their better living condition. Brainstorming exercises was done with the local partners to prepare to the check list on different reintegration activities and partners self-assessment test was also taken by the Caritas team.

In the end, three action points were taken forward to share the monthly reporting format to partners by 22^nd April and to document 3 case studies quarterly & engagement of 3 returnees to government scheme and skill development programs by local partners.