Caritas India recently organized a significant get-together meeting in Punjab, focusing on the reintegration of Indian nationals who have voluntarily returned from Austria. This event, part of the IRMA Plus III program, highlights the organization’s ongoing efforts to support returnees in rebuilding their lives with dignity and purpose.

The Integrated Reintegration Management (IRMA) Plus III program, a collaborative effort between Caritas India and Caritas Austria, aims to provide comprehensive support to Indian nationals returning from European countries. This initiative addresses the complex challenges faced by returnees, including social reintegration, economic stability, and psychological well-being.

On November 29, 2024, Caritas India, in partnership with Navjeevan Charitable Society, Jalandhar, conducted its 3rd Get-Together meeting under IRMA Plus III. The event brought together 10 returnees from Austria, creating a platform for shared experiences and mutual support. The primary objectives included identifying potential candidates for the Business Booster program, assessing the returnees’ current situations, evaluating the project’s support, and discussing challenges faced post-return.

Caritas India staff provided an overview of the organization’s work and the IRMA Plus III program. This was followed by presentation on the current business landscape in Punjab, setting the stage for an open discussion on the challenges faced by returnees in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

The returnees shared various obstacles they encountered, ranging from high operational costs in cattle farming and the dairy industry to challenges in the taxi business. These discussions underscored the importance of tailored support and ongoing guidance in ensuring successful reintegration.

Caritas India’s approach to reintegration is holistic, extending beyond mere financial assistance. The organization, working with 31 grassroots partners across nine Indian states, provides accompaniment to voluntary returnees, ensuring they receive agreed-upon livelihood, medical, and psychosocial support. This comprehensive strategy aims to address the multifaceted challenges of reintegration, from family reunification to establishing sustainable livelihoods.

The Business Booster program, a key component of IRMA Plus III, offers additional in-kind support to returnees who have already utilized their EU Reintegration Programme (EURP) grant. This supplementary aid can be used to expand existing businesses or pursue further education, demonstrating Caritas India’s commitment to long-term, sustainable reintegration solutions.

Caritas India is engaged in reintegrating irregular migrants returning from European countries, facilitating their safe return and restoring sustainable livelihood opportunities to enable them to live with dignity. Since 2010, Caritas India has been implementing the reintegration program in partnership with Caritas International Belgium. Throughout the journey of the reintegration program, Caritas India has successfully reintegrated over 1,000 returnees.

By fostering connections, addressing challenges, and providing targeted assistance, Caritas India is not just facilitating reintegration but also empowering returnees to become active contributors to their communities. As more Indian nationals consider returning home, Caritas India’s IRMA Plus III program offers support, dignity, and opportunities for a fresh start.