Success Stories
Iraqis returning to Iraq and Kurdistan Region from European countries can receive support to start their new life. The ETTC offers a training and job placement programme called the Reintegration Programme in Iraq (RPI). Within the RPI, returnees from selected European countries are supported at ETTC facilities in Erbil, Duhok and Sulaymaniyah in career and social reintegration through training offers and help with job placement. Interested persons offered customized consulting and information provided in both the host country and in Iraq. The aim of the programme is to improve the returnees employability to find a job matching their professional profile and working experience. Returnees can gain new skills and knowledge to improve their chances in the job market.
Mr. Hayder was born and raised in Baghdad. The 34-year-old Iraqi citizen obtained his diploma in the Teaching Institute of Baghdad. After his graduation in this institute, he used to work as a barber for some years to cover his living expenses. Due to the dangerous security situation back in 2015 in the country, the European countries offered asylum opportunities which triggered him to take the path of migration. The journey to Germany was not an easy one, as he had to take the illegal route and cross the sea where he encountered many difficulties.
After several months of asylum and work permit rejection, Mr. Hayder started reconsidering to return to his country of origin. Soon as he returned, the ETTC reintegration team welcomed him and held several meetings to discuss his future plan and encourage the returnee to choose a career that would match his professional profile. The returnee decided to open a barber shop as he had gained experience as a barber before he left the country.
T. After the returnee’s business plan had been approved by the funding partners, the required goods and items were provided by ETTC and the business was set up. Thanks to the cooperation of the ETTC reintegration team and the European Return and Reintegration Network (ERRIN) Mr. Hayder is now a successful and well known barber who runs his own barber shop in Baghdad.
Before the Islamic State’s invasion and country’s economic collapse, Mr. Zaman used to work as a fish trader to provide for his wife and two sons who lived during that time in Basra. The unstable life condition left the family with no choice but to leave for Europe to build a better life and a brighter future. They’ve decided to take the sea route and crossed many countries where Mr. Zaman and his family encountered many difficulties.
The 42-year-old was determined to move with his family to Germany and reside there. However, after spending some years under financial hardship, the Iraqi realized that they would not get the residency permit. This led the family to the conclusion of returning to the country of origin and start their life there once again.
After they returned, the ETTC team conducted a few meetings to address their most essential needs, provide psychological support to reduce initial distress resulting from the migration and return journey, as well as advices about how to cope with the new environment and the social networks which are vital for the reintegration process. After assessing the returnees experience and the market, the ETTC team and the returnee reached the conclusion of setting up a minimarket. The family’s reintegration plan was confirmed, and they subsequently received a reintegration pilot project grant in addition to the main assistant grant. Now Mr. Zaman is the owner of minimarket backed up by the assistance of his two sons and another employee. The returnee is grateful for the assistance he and his family received from ETTC.
