Through various interventions, IOM in Mali has, so far, developed returning migrants’ capacities and competencies and thus improved employment and self-employment opportunities for more than 1,000 Malian returnees. These interventions include job counselling, training or competency certification for returning migrants, as well as provision of equipment and materials to enable them setting up their businesses or referral to job offers.

In order to provide enhanced assistance to returning migrants who often spent many years abroad and face difficulties upon their return to find an economic activity that suits their profile, IOM concluded a partnership with 12 vocational training centres to offer various options to the youths and facilitate their access to vocational training. Individual interviews were conducted to identify returning migrants’ competencies and aspirations and offer them training opportunities or employment (for qualified migrants) based on their respective profiles for a better match between their needs, training and/or employment.

After training or competency certification, beneficiaries received support to create a small business (577 have been supported in this way so far) or are better equipped to face the labour market requirements. The benefits of this activity include easier access to training for beneficiaries and better employment and self-employment opportunities.

This approach was deeply discussed with the Malian Government to align reintegration initiatives with the National Migration and Development Policy (PONAM), including the development of returnees’ capacities and competencies in national development.