Background: SUPREM is a pilot project, developed by ICMPD in response to growing challenges related to the return of irregularly staying third-country nationals. The project puts forward innovative solutions for the benefit of all actors involved, aiming to create a structural framework for Private-Public Partnership (PPP) and multi-stakeholder dialogue to foster sustainable and dignified return and reintegration.
The project is associated with the reverse migration initiative, put forward together by ICMPD and its partner the Reverse Migration Association, creating conditions for asylum seekers with limited chances of legally staying in Europe, willingly migrate back to their countries of origin, having received substantial incentives to do so, normally in the form of specialised training and employment with European companies already operating or willing to invest in the country of origin.
Specifically, during the pilot phase, around thirty Nigerian nationals, already located in Austria, but having little prospects of legally staying in the country will be selected and provided with adequate training support with a view to their eventual employment by the partner companies’ subsidiaries in Nigeria. The activities will be carried out in cooperation with the Reverse Migration Association and selected private companies, already operating in Nigeria or interested to invest in the country. Thereby, the project will not only ensure sustainable voluntary return and direct benefits for the returnees, receiving training and employment, but it will also be advantageous to the private sector as well as to the Austrian and Nigerian economies. Skills transfer as well as new investment and job creation will help to tackle some of the root causes of migration by supporting those Nigerians who would otherwise consider migrating to Europe.
Finally, a dedicated Task Force will be set-up as a platform for a functioning Private-Public Partnership in the field of return and a mechanism of solving practical issues and facilitating good business environment. It will bring together high-ranking stakeholders from Austrian and Nigerian authorities as well as representatives of the private sector.
Intended project outputs and outcomes:
Up-to thirty Nigerians without real possibility of legally staying in Austria will get an opportunity to return home with decent prospects for the future:
they will be provided with specialised training, fixed employment and support during the transition.
Austrian and international companies operating or willing to invest in Nigeria will get quality work force, already familiar with European work standards, trained and integrated as per companies’ specifications.
Austrian and international companies interested to invest and expand in Nigeria will receive advice and support; the project’s Task Force, bringing together government stakeholders from Nigeria and Austria as well as representatives of the private sector will ensure necessary high-level support for the smooth implementation of the project and facilitation of linked investments.
The Nigerian government, companies and society can benefit from foreign investment, created jobs, technology transfer and commercial opportunities through increased involvement of Austrian and European business. In addition, the society will benefit from skilled work force returning home. Cooperation with the Austrian government and stakeholders can increase.
The Austrian government, companies and the society can benefit from a constructive approach to return, increased cooperation with Nigeria and investment opportunities; knowledge and appreciation of Austria in Nigeria can increase.