Slovakia prepares State Integration Programme for refugees

The Slovak Integration Programme for people with international protection assumes that Slovakia won't rely solely on money from EU funds when tackling this problem, according to views expressed an international conference of the European Migration Network taking place in Bratislava on Tuesday, TASR learnt on the same day. Slovak Interior Ministry Migration Office director Bernard Priecel explained that the programme is a reaction to the current global situation. "We want something firm, something that won't allow different treatment of people in various situations; so that it will be clear who is entitled to what, and what is the duty of the state and when", Priecel told TASR. Petra Achbergerová from the Migration Office explained that resources from EU funds are insufficient due to the current migration crisis. The most important element is housing for asylum seekers and people with subsidiary protection. According to Achbergerová, providing shelter represents 90-percent success in terms of the whole process. The state programme will also be focused on employment, Slovak language courses, education and other aspects of life in society. The Integration Programme is being prepared by a working group consisting representatives of corresponding ministries and the expert public and should be approved by the Government in the spring of 2016. It should then enter into force as of 2017. Resources from the state budget should also be increased as of 2017. There are currently only 30 asylum seekers looking for 'international protection' [a term involving asylum and subsidiary protection, which applies to people who haven't been given asylum status but still face danger in their country of origin - ed. note] in camps in Slovakia. Priecel said that this is a very small number. He sees it as a result of stricter border protection and low interest among refugees in staying in Slovakia.