REPATRIATION SUCCESS STORY: 239 ARMENIANS HAVE RETURNED FROM FRANCE
Kristine Aghalaryan
an/
2009/06/08 | 19:10
An interview with Armen Ayvazyan, Project Director of the French
Armenian Development Foundation
Mr. Ayvazyan, when was the French Armenian Development Foundation
(FADF) established and for what purpose? What projects is the FADF
involved in now?
The FADF was founded in 2004 by the Association Armenienne d’Aide
Sociale (AAAS), the first Armenian welfare organization to be
established in France in 1890. The AAAS centers on three directions:
retirement homes, social assistance and development projects in
Armenia.
Our aim is to assist in the long-term and sustainable development of
Armenia by formulating a variety of projects, basically in the social
sector. Presently, we are focused on the migration issue and assist
in the voluntary return to Armenia of those who had left and now find
themselves in legal limbo in France. Another project deals with the
disabled. In January 2008, with joint financing from the European Union
and the AAAS, we launched a project called "Deaf Dialogue is Possible"
with the aim to strengthen the development skills of the people with
hearing disorders (PWHD), one of the poorest and isolated groups of
society. Along these lines we have established a non-profit Social
Integration Center. A third program of ours is entitled "Advancing
the Rights of Children and Adolescents with Psychological Problems".
What is the project that deals with the voluntary return to Armenia of
individuals residing in France without legal status? How does it work?
This project is called "Return to Sources" and was started in November,
2005. The project is co-financed by the European Refugee Fund (ERF)
in partnership with the French National Agency for the Reception of
Foreigners and Migration (ANAEM).
Within the framework of the project, an Information and Training
Center has been opened in Paris. Detailed information on the
economic and socio-political environment in Armenia is provided to
beneficiaries. The Center prepares their future reintegration in
Armenian society by exploring with them possible income generating
ventures.
In Armenia, French Armenian Development Foundation (FADF) helps
concerned beneficiaries to draw up a business plan for setting their
micro-business activities. The FADF is in charge of the follow-up. The
staff provides assistance, prepare the feasibility study and assist in
the actual launch of the micro-business. What standards are involved
in deciding who should return to Armenia?
That’s a decision of the French National Agency for Migration. If an
individual meets those standards they will be offered an opportunity
to be included in the repatriation program that includes a variety of
assistance measures covering transportation costs and even outright
monetary grants to facilitate the return to Armenia.
If a person meets the requirements of the French National Agency for
Migration and wishes to return to Armenia, what resources are available
to facilitate their reintegration into Armenian society and ensure
a somewhat normal life? Do you also offer assistance in this regard?
The individual would get in touch with the Voluntary Repatriation
Center run by the AAAS in Paris. The Center will review the options
available to the returnee in terms of earning a living in Armenia. The
Center formulates an action plan for repatriation that they send to
us. Thus we know in advance who is returning and their plans. We meet
with these returnees and stay in contact with them
We don’t get involved in locating suitable housing for the repatriates
but will offer informational assistance if needed. We might offer
a list of apartments for rent or help the person find work if they
don’t wish to start their own business. We’ll provide information
about the job market, what professions are in demand, and even help
the person write a professional-style resume. In the past, we offered
monetary assistance to all repatriates facing a housing problem. Now,
we offer such assistance to beneficiaries under the age of twelve and
over seventy at around 600 Euros per year. They can spend the money as
they chose. This year, we plan to allocate thirty such housing grants.
During the first three months, a period we call "social accompaniment",
we assist with getting the repatriate’s paperwork in order. We
accompany the person to the various agencies when needed. If there
are medical issues to be addressed, we also direct the person
to the correct agencies. In the same three month period, we also
formulate a small business plan for the person if they desire to
open a private concern. We study the market and grant up to 7,000
Euros in start-up funds. We don’t hand out cash but use the funds to
cover the purchase of equipment and materials; whatever is necessary
to launch a business. The aim is to ensure that the person returning
will have a source of income to cover their living expenses. Within
the parameters of the program, some forty business plans have been
financed. In April of this year, an additional thirteen business plans
have been formulated and work is underway to purchase the necessary
equipment and materials.
In addition, we also offer retraining assistance so that the
beneficiary can become competitive in the job market. Our first
priority is to treat the individual with a sense of respect and
dignity.
Committee sessions regarding the allocation of business start-up monies
are convened under the auspices of the French Embassy in Armenia.
To date, how many repatriates have you assisted? How many individuals
have returned to Armenia via your organization?
During the period November 15, 2005 – April 30, 2009, 239 individuals
have returned to Armenia. 27 in 2005-2006, 43 in 2006-2007 and 107
in 2007-2008. 62 individuals have returned as of November 15, 2008.
Do you have exact figures of the number returning to Armenia monthly?
About 5-15 individuals per month.
What are the repatriation costs, per person, that your organization
incurs?
I can’t give you the exact breakdown. The financial side of the
equation is dealt with by our French partner organizations.
Based on your observations how are the repatriated families getting
on? Do they have adequate housing and work?
Most own their own homes but others rent. Finding work is the main
problem.
There have been cases when people returning to Armenia leave for
France again.
The follow-up monitoring of the social reintegration process of the
repatriates lasts for one year. The FFAD meets with the beneficiaries
to review the process and outstanding issues if they so desire. It
is entirely possible that a few of the repatriates leave Armenia for
foreign shores but most remain.